Blue porcelain cup Masao Tagai

Width: 8.8cm x 8.8cm Height: 3.2cm

This high-sided sake cup is glazed in a pale sky blue color - "Ukatensei" (blue after the rain). The inside is a shallow, almost horizontal dish, with a slightly curved outer edge that reflects light like the surface of a lake. The thin, uncovered rim is accented with a silver-gray iron rim , which gives the clear blue a crisp finish. The base that supports the cup is a neat cylinder, and the balance of the volume between the top and bottom is reminiscent of the elegant style of Song Dynasty celadon, while the cup has a minimalist appearance that will look great on a modern dining table.

Glaze and firing

Glaze design : By adjusting the ferric oxide and using a process called "reduction removal," which involves a high-temperature reduction followed by a slight oxidation, a pure blue color is achieved, eliminating any reddish tinge.

Control of microcrazing : The expansion coefficients of the clay and glaze are nearly identical to prevent noticeable crazing. Tiny ice cracks appear on the surface, shimmering like mist depending on the angle of the light.

Mirror finish : After firing, the pot is heated again using low-temperature reduction to re-melt the surface of the glaze, achieving a moist luster and depth.

history

Takahana-style sake cups have their origins in Chinese Song and Yuan dynasties banquet cups and Buddhist offerings, and were introduced to Japan as Chinese artisans during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. As the pale blue surface of the cup beautifully accentuates the pale gold of rice wine, they were prized by Momoyama tea masters as "play cups" and used at drinking parties in the sukiya style. Building on the purity of Ryusen celadon, Tagai Masao has reconstructed them into lightweight Takahana cups suitable for modern drinking ceremonies, adding a nuance of wabi (traditional Japanese wabi) with an iron rim and thin construction.

Points to note when viewing

Depth of the glaze layers – When slanting light hits it, the milky layers appear to float like clouds, highlighting the depth of the blue.

The beauty of the aged iron rim – the more it is used, the darker the luster becomes, creating a richer contrast with the pale blue.

Shadow of the high base – The circular shadow cast by the high base creates a quiet rhythm on the table and emphasizes the lightness of the sake cup.

This "Celadon Cup" blends the serenity of the clear blue color with the elegant high-profile bowl and the refined, elegant finish of the iron rim, creating a "serene light in the palm of your hand." The expression of the vessel changes with each sip, and the process by which the ice cracks fade over time intertwines with the memory of the sake, weaving a profound story. We hope you will enjoy using this cup for many years to come, and savor the changing appearance of the celadon along with seasonal sake.