Tenmoku glaze katakuchi by Okada Yu

Width: 14.8cm x 13.0cm Height: 7.4cm

Tenmoku glaze katakuchi (cup) by Okada Masaru - "The black lapis lazuli that fills the night sky scoops up a ray of moonlight."

Overview of the work

The deep lapis lazuli black Tenmoku glaze is dotted with silver sand-like faint light, and a faint purple runs along the rim. The beak, which extends to one side, is delicate, as if it were scooping up moondrops. This versatile katakuchi can be used to cool water at tea ceremonies, or as a tokkuri (sake bottle) at sake ceremonies - it pours out both quiet darkness and soft light.

The mysterious beauty of Tenmoku glaze

Stardust-like iron crystals are scattered on the jet-black glaze, reflecting a dull silver light whenever the light hits it. A pale blue color dissolves in the interior, transforming the surface of the poured liquid into a lake of the night sky, creating a sense of tranquility. Over time, the components of tea or sake sink slightly into the glaze, giving the black color even more depth.

A look at history

Tenmoku glaze, which originated in the Jianzhan period of the Song dynasty, was introduced to Japan by Zen monks and became associated with the aesthetic of wabi, which celebrates darkness and light. By transferring this mysterious quality to the everyday katakuchi cup, Okada Masaru brings the idea of ​​"transforming the landscape into the shape of the vessel" to the modern dining and tea tables. The beak represents the flowing wind, the silver sand represents starlight, and the black glaze represents the night air - the natural time flows quietly within this single vessel.

Conclusion

This Tenmoku-yaki katakuchi pours moondrops into black lapis lazuli that embraces the starry sky. When you hold it in your palm and gently tilt it, the silver sand sparkles in the ripples on the liquid's surface, and the stillness of the night flows like a stream into the sake cup or tea bowl. Enjoy the story of the night sky spun by this katakuchi for many years to come, along with seasonal sake, hot water, and soup stock.