Celadon sake cup by Masao Tagai

Width: 6.2cm x 6.2cm Height: 6.5cm

This small sake cup is completely enveloped in a pale rain-blue glaze. The potter's wheel-turned base is lightly crushed by hand and twisted with the fingertips, creating soft lines and curves reminiscent of flowing water. The rim sways on all four sides, and the thin glaze sets the silver-gray iron rim, adding a refined, wabi-sabi outline to the tranquil blue world. The base is slightly raised above the table on three small feet, creating the effect of the shadows lightly lifting the vessel.

About the glaze

The "reduction removal" process, which suppresses iron powder and switches to oxidation after high-temperature reduction, achieves a clear blue color with no reddish tinge. A slight milky opacity remains within the glaze layer, giving it a sense of depth.

Crazing and iron spots <br data-end="627" data-start="624">By bringing the expansion coefficients of the clay and glaze closer together, large cracks are suppressed. At the same time, tiny ice cracks and iron spots appear in the glaze pools in the recesses, adding an accent to the scenery.

Mirror Finish <br data-end="703" data-start="700">The surface of the glaze is re-melted using low-temperature reduction for the finishing process, resulting in a moist luster and soft reflection.

Suitable for use as a sake cup

Temperature retention : The thick glaze and floating foot structure create an air layer, keeping cold sake cool and hot sake at a comfortable temperature.

Mouthfeel : The wavy rim gives the lips a multifaceted feel, allowing the sake to flow smoothly onto the tongue.

Grip : The curves and unevenness of the body provide a comfortable grip for your fingers, making it easy to hold steadily.

history

The tripod design has its origins in the tripod and judge designs of Shang period bronzeware, and has been considered a symbol of holiness and stability. In Japan, it has been replicated as a play on wabi since the Momoyama tea ceremony period, and adding a "break" to the refined world of celadon gave rise to a trend of expressing a sense of vitality. This work draws on that lineage, but is reinterpreted with a minimalist size and soft form that will look great in a modern drinking party.

Viewing points

Flickering Light <br data-end="1132" data-start="1129">When slanting light shines on the piece, the uneven surface reflects like the surface of water, and the gradation of the blue glaze changes from moment to moment.

The aged beauty of the iron rim <br data-end="1191" data-start="1188">The silver-gray rim develops a black luster with use, deepening the contrast with the pale blue.

Shadow of the floating feet <br data-end="1246" data-start="1243">The shadow cast by the three-pointed feet makes the vessel appear to be floating in the air, emphasizing its light and airy presence.

Masao Tagai's celadon sake cups are a "scenery in the palm of your hand," a harmonious blend of the tranquility of the clear blue, the movement of the potter's wheel , and the lightness created by the three-legged movement. The expression of the vessel's surface changes with each sip, and the process by which the haze under the glaze deepens over the years overlaps with the memory of the sake, weaving a rich story. We hope you will enjoy using them for many years to come, and savor the changing appearance of the celadon along with seasonal sake.