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Iron glaze kiln change katakuchi by Okada Yu

Iron glaze kiln change katakuchi by Okada Yu

Regular price $228.00
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Width: 12.0cm Height: 10.3cm

Iron-glazed kiln-transformed katakuchi (clay ware) by Okada Masaru - "The surface of the lake at late twilight is clothed in the thin layer of the moon's light, quietly guiding a single vein of water."


Overview of the Work

The iron glaze sinks like darkness - on its surface, a faint silver-blue light left by the reducing flame floats like mist, revealing pale purple or greenish-grey iridescence depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The modestly extended beak is as delicate as the prow of a moon boat, bringing graceful undulations to the act of pouring. The rounded and narrowed body has the perfect capacity for cooling water or as a sake cup. This katakuchi encapsulates the tranquility of the night and flickering light in a single vessel.


Highlights of the sculpture

The beak is slightly curved upwards, producing extremely fine streaks of sake and hot water. It easily separates droplets and does not stain the table.
The rim is thinly ground all around, making it soft to the touch. The liquid level does not shake smoothly even when held with one hand.
The top is plump and rounded, tapering gently towards the bottom. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and dissipates heat evenly when cooling water.
The base is set low and unglazed with black glaze to create a deep color. It is very stable and can be used in a hot water bath or on ice.


Scenery of iron glaze kiln transformation

Silver-blue Haze <br data-end="578" data-start="575">The iron crystals on the surface glow silver-blue, evoking a night sky with thin clouds covering the moon.

Purple Highlights <br data-end="628" data-start="625">A faint hint of reddish purple permeates the rim of the mouth and the ridges of the shoulders, breathing a breath of warmth into the darkness.

Matte pear-textured <br data-end="679" data-start="676">When you touch it, fine crystal grains remain slightly on your fingers, improving the comfort and heat retention.


The artist's perspective

Based on the traditions of Gojozaka, Kiyomizu, Kyoto, Okada Masaru reflects the night air of Sumiyama, Uji. Based on the belief that "the wind blows slowly inside and outside the vessel," this katakuchi expresses silence with the darkness of the iron glaze , stardust with the silver-blue kiln change , and the wind's path with the thin stream of the beak . The hot water and sake poured into the vessel carry the starlight and move quietly from vessel to vessel.


Conclusion

When you gently tilt the black lapis lazuli katakuchi sake cup, which is filled with starry skies, into your palm, a faint silver-blue light glides into the sake cup or tea bowl, and the silence of the night spreads along with the sound of a trickle of water. Please use the iron-glazed kiln-transformed katakuchi sake cup for many years to come as a companion to add a deep aftertaste to seasonal sake, hot water, and soup stock.

Biography
Born in Kiyomizu-Gojo, Kyoto
After working as a trainee at the Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training School Molding Department and the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute
Learned pottery techniques for three years under Mr. Kozo Kawashima, a member of the Sodeisha Society.
In 1987, he became independent and established a kiln in Sumiyama, Uji City.
Since 2018, he has been a judge for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition.
2022 Japan Traditional Crafts Ceramics Division Exhibition, Judge

<Main winning entries>
Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition
Kikuchi Biennale,
Contemporary Tea Ceremony Exhibition
Chozo Award Ceramic Art Exhibition, Ceramic Art Exhibition,
Mashiko Pottery Exhibition,
Itami International Craft Exhibition
Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition,
Kobe Biennale
Contemporary Ceramic Art Competition, etc.

<Major Awards>
1998: The Northern Confectionery Utensils Exhibition (Excellent Award)
2002, Kyoto Ware, Kiyomizu Ware Exhibition (KBS Kyoto Broadcasting Award)
2003, Bonsai Pottery Exhibition (Encouragement Award)
2008, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition (Nikkei Newspaper Award)
2009, Otaki Hokkai Live Pottery Exhibition (NHK Broadcasting Award)
2010, Otaki Hokkai Live Pottery Exhibition (Hokkaido Shimbun Award)
2012, Kyoto Art and Craft Biennale (Grand Prize)
2013, Japan Traditional Crafts Ceramic Art Exhibition (Japan Crafts Association Award)
Kobe Biennale Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition (Second Prize)
2014: Invited to exhibit at the Gwangju Biennale
2016, Osaka Crafts Exhibition (Arts and Crafts Grand Prize)
2019, Osaka Crafts Exhibition (runner-up)
2022, Arita International Ceramic Exhibition (Grand Prize, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award), etc.

Currently, he is a regular member of the Japan Crafts Association and a member of the Ceramic Art Association.

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