Tenmoku glaze sake cup by Okada Yu

Width: 8.0cm Height: 5.2cm

Tenmoku glaze sake cup

-- Created by Masaru Okada --

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Work summary

This is a Tenmoku-glazed sake cup made by Okada Masaru, who has a kiln in Uji-tanzan, Kyoto. The slightly taut, neat shape of the cup is combined with a steel-black background and silver-gray oil droplet crystals, creating a scene reminiscent of tiny stars dancing in the night sky. A faint scarlet seeps into the rim, quietly suggesting a warmth lurking in the darkness.

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Glaze and technique

A small amount of manganese oxide is added to the iron feldspar-based Tenmoku glaze , giving the black glaze a deep blue-steel color.

Through the three-stage firing process of primary reduction → slight oxidation → rapid cooling , fine iron crystals are precipitated on the surface, consistently producing an oil droplet appearance reminiscent of silver sand.

The scarlet color of the rim is the result of a process called "hiirodashi," which involves deliberate oxidation towards the end of the firing process. The contrast with the black glaze softly brings out the contours of the vessel.

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Historical background

Tenmoku glaze was born in the Song Dynasty at Jian Kiln, and was introduced to Japan by Zen monks during the Kamakura Period. The accidental crystal patterns of oil droplets and Yohen are highly valued in the tea ceremony as the "mystery of kiln change," and continue to fascinate many artists to this day. While keeping in mind the traditional Tenmoku scenery, this piece has been successfully woven with a faint light reminiscent of silver sand by Okada Masaru's unique "fluctuation firing" technique.

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Aesthetic intent and spirituality

This sake cup embodies a tranquility that is reminiscent of the Zen phrase "Yashokumuhen." The scene of a faint light twinkling in the depths of darkness is like a condensation of the infinite universe, and every time you tilt your cup, you are reminded of the preciousness of a "once in a lifetime encounter."

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How to use and points to note

Suitable for chilled and room temperature sake : The fine oil crystals scatter light, bringing out the clear color of the sake.

Lighting : The silver droplets stand out in the warm light of incandescent lamps or candles, while the deep bluish-steel color is highlighted by daylight LEDs.

Versatility : Although it is smaller than a matcha bowl, its sturdy base makes it suitable for both gyokuro and sencha, and it can be enjoyed as both a sake and tea bowl.

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This sake cup, where the abyss of black and the faint light of silver coexist, is the crystallization of the "controlled coincidence" that Masaru Okada has been pursuing for many years. We hope you will enjoy the blissful drinking session as you contemplate the silent universe while watching the scenery change in your hands.