Blue glaze tea bowl by Yotaro Takemura

Width: 11.5cm Height: 9.0cm

A conversation with Shigeo Takemura and Yotaro Takemura

Hekiyuu tea bowl: the pinnacle of beauty born from the fusion of tradition and modernity

The "Hekiyu Tea Bowl" by Takemura Yotaro is one of the most notable works in the contemporary ceramics world. This tea bowl is a masterpiece that skillfully incorporates modern sensibilities and aesthetic sense while preserving the traditions of Kiyomizu ware . The pale blue color is as fresh as clear soda, and its refreshing color captures the hearts of those who see it. It has a deep beauty that makes you want to look at it forever, and it combines practicality as a tea bowl with artistic appeal.

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A perfect harmony of shape and color

This blue-glazed tea bowl is a beautiful fusion of the delicate form created by Takemura Yotaro and the vibrant blue glaze . While the shape is firmly in line with the basics of a matcha bowl, it boasts a beautifully balanced form , making it a work that can be enjoyed from any angle. The blue color in particular shows different expressions depending on how the light hits it, and the gradation from deep blue to pale blue creates a visually rich transformation.

The flowing glaze expression that is characteristic of Takemura's work is also prominent in this tea bowl, and has a powerful presence that draws the viewer in. Because the shape of the matcha bowl is stable, its beauty stands out even in the practical aspects of the tea ceremony, creating a wonderful fusion of tradition and functional beauty.

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The fusion of tradition and innovation seen in blue-glazed tea bowls

The Hekiyu tea bowl is one of the most unique pieces by Takemura Yotaro. While respecting the traditions of Kiyomizu ware, he is always searching for new forms of expression. The glaze used on this bowl is not made from traditional plant ash, but from a compound that Takemura mixed himself, resulting in a blue color that is both transparent and deep. This vibrant blue color symbolizes Takemura's innovative spirit, and goes beyond the boundaries of tea ceremony utensils and is highly regarded as contemporary art.

The glaze applied to this blue-glazed tea bowl is finished using Takemura's specialty, the "fukikake" technique. By spraying the glaze onto the surface, it gives the surface a texture that is easy to handle and further accentuates the color. This technique gives the tea bowl a rich expression both visually and tactilely, creating a fresh look that will amaze anyone who sees it.

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"Dainichi Kiln" and Yotaro Takemura's passion for creation

Dainichigama, where Takemura Yotaro is based, is located at the foot of Mount Dainichi in Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, and his works are created in an environment surrounded by rich nature. The studio was opened by his father, Shigeo, over 40 years ago, and while he has inherited the tradition, he continues to challenge himself to create works that reflect his own sensibilities . Takemura's works are a perfect blend of the traditions of a potter and a modern sensibility, which gives his pieces a unique personality.

Takemura also creates his own tools to match the shape of the vessels, and takes an uncompromising approach to his work . While cherishing the techniques and spirit he inherited from his father, his works, which incorporate his own modern sensibility, have been highly praised both at home and abroad, not only as tea utensils but also as contemporary art.

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The modern beauty and practicality of blue-glazed tea bowls

The Heki-yu tea bowl is one of Takemura Yotaro's most popular pieces. While respecting tradition, this tea bowl skillfully incorporates modern sensibilities, and is highly regarded not only for its practicality as a tea ceremony utensil, but also for its artistic merit. In particular, the gradation of the blue glaze , which Takemura is good at, gives this tea bowl a rich expression and leaves a strong impression on those who see it.

In the tea ceremony, its practicality and beauty go hand in hand, and while it serves its role as a tea bowl, the vessel itself has value as a work of art. The Hekiyu tea bowl is a perfect expression of the fusion of tradition and innovation pursued by Yotaro Takemura, and is the embodiment of his deep love and passion for his work.

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The blue-glazed tea bowl as a masterpiece of modern ceramics

The "Blue Glazed Tea Bowl" by Takemura Yotaro is a masterpiece that harmonizes traditional beauty with a modern sensibility . The transparency created by the fresh blue glaze and the stable form of the matcha bowl captivate the viewer. This piece, which combines the functional beauty of a tea ceremony utensil with the acclaim of an art piece, is a piece that, in the hands of Takemura Yotaro, opens up new possibilities for ceramics.

The works of Dainichigama, where Takemura is based, are filled with a unique charm that combines the beauty of natural materials and traditional techniques with Takemura's own sensibility. The Hekiyu Tea Bowl is a symbolic piece, a masterpiece that strongly conveys Takemura's attitude of always pursuing new expressions while protecting the traditions of pottery.

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Biography of Yotaro Takemura

Born in Yamashina, Kyoto in 1981
2009: Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Technical College, Molding Course
2010: Completed the Kyoto City Industrial Testing Center Ceramics Training Course Started making pottery with his father, Shigeo, at Dainichi Kiln
2011: Selected for the 40th "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition" National Culture Festival Kyoto 2011 Art Exhibition "Crafts" Encouragement Award
2012: Selected for the 41st "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition" Selected for the Kyoto Art and Crafts Biennale
2013: Selected for the 42nd "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition" Solo exhibition at Takashimaya Kyoto store, Art and Craft Salon
2014: Selected for the 43rd "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition"
2015: Selected for the 44th "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition"
2016: Selected for the 45th "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition"