Tenmoku incense burner by Okada Yu

Width: 11.2cm Height: 13.0cm

Tenmoku-yu Incense Burner by Okada Masaru - "Scattering stardust in the pitch black air, the moonlight filtering through the tripod - a small burner that gives off the scent of the breath of the night."

---

1. Overview of the Work

The iron glaze, developed in a reducing flame, emits a silver-blue faint light from deep within the black lapis lazuli. The stepped cuts on the body and lid are reminiscent of six mountain ridges - the rhythm of night clouds overlapping, and the pale pink flames running along those ridges add warmth to the darkness. The lid handle rises like a slender tower, quietly suggesting a path for incense smoke to rise. The tips of the tripod legs cast shadows on the table, creating a floating sensation, as if incense clouds were rising from beneath the vessel.

---

2. Shape and Design

3. View of Tenmoku glaze kiln transformation

Silver-gray Stardust : Tiny iron crystals twinkle in response to the light, reminiscent of the night sky.

Pale pink highlights : A slight hint of reddish purple on the ridges of the steps brings a warm pulse to the darkness.

Pear-skin texture : The coexistence of matte and glossy texture conveys a pleasant cool and warm feeling to the hand.

---

4. A look at the production

Based on the concept of "capturing the landscape in a vessel," Okada Masaru has condensed the night sky and mountain shadows of the charcoal mine into this incense burner. The carved steps represent overlapping ridgelines, the silver sand represents twinkling starlight, and the pale pink flames represent the flames of the wood-fired kiln and the dawn light. When the incense is burned, the smoke turns into a nebula and creeps up the steps, and the shadow of the tripod reflects the phases of the moon - such a quiet story is born.

---

5. Conclusion

This Tenmoku-yaki incense burner embodies the depth of the night sky and the brilliance of stardust. The burning incense wood shines through the silver-gray glaze, and the flickering smoke brings a mysterious atmosphere to your seat. Please enjoy the overlapping light and incense that changes with each stick for many years to come.