Iron glaze kiln-transformed tea bowl by Okada Yu

Width: 13.2cm x 12.7cm Height: 9.0cm

Iron-glazed kiln-transformed tea bowl by Okada Masaru - "The iron-black light ripples like a whirlwind cutting through the night sky."

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Metallic light hidden in jet black iron glaze

The iron-rich glaze has a deep, dark black base, but depending on the angle, it also emits a dull silvery shine. The kiln changes that occur during firing slightly reduce the glaze surface, bringing to light a subtle luster that resembles the ground pattern on the blade of a sword. The expression, which combines silence and tension, is reminiscent of the afterglow of a lightning bolt cutting through the night sky.

Flowing lines create a "spiral flower"

The large curves that run across the vessel's walls are created by carving away the soft base material after shaping on the potter's wheel. As the curves intersect, the inside opens up into a petal shape with three valleys, and on the outside it traces the swirling wind. As the light glides along the curved surface, the shadows change from moment to moment, giving the vessel a sense of vitality, as if it is breathing in response to the movement of your palm.

Gradation of kiln transformation

The strength and weakness of the reduction flame and the temperature difference overlap, resulting in a light grey with a purple tint on the rim and a slightly bluish black on the base. These colors blend smoothly together to create a sense of depth that goes beyond a simple black, creating a once-in-a-lifetime view that is unique to kiln-transformed tea bowls.

Functional beauty in the palm of your hand

The three-sided opening makes the mouth smooth and does not restrict the movement of the chasen. The base is set slightly low, achieving a balance that allows for light turning while maintaining stability. The thin body promotes a light mouthfeel, and despite its heavy appearance, it is surprisingly soft to the touch.

A new interpretation of traditional techniques

Based on the classical elements of iron glaze and kiln change, this work combines bold spiral cuts and a modern three-sided mouth form, and succinctly illustrates Okada Masaru's production philosophy of "capturing the landscape of the land in the form of the vessel." The traces of the wind caressing the mountainside of the charcoal mountain and the streetlights sparkling in the night breeze of Gojozaka, Kiyomizu, are poetically reconstructed in a single bowl.

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The deep black of the iron glaze, the sparkle of the kiln firing, and the spiral movement created by the flowing lines - this tea bowl breathes between stillness and movement, and will be like a breeze that blows into the tea ceremony room, leaving a vivid impression on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.