Supreme quality Tanba matcha tea bowl by Shinsui Ichino

Tanba Tea Bowl - Shinsui Ichino

1. The clay surface reflects the origins of Tamba ware

The rough clay from Tanba, carefully selected by Ichino Shinsui, has been kneaded to retain the granite grains and iron content. As a result, tiny quartz grains sparkle like stardust on the surface of the vessel, and iron flecks add a rustic accent. The gradation of the deep purple and pale ochre tones that the clay itself embodies quietly speaks of the beauty of wabi, or refined elegance, without relying on glazes.

2. The scenery of "kiln changes" created by the flames of a wood-fired kiln

The whitish-gray granular texture that spreads across the bottom of the body is evidence that ash from the wood that was burned in the climbing kiln for more than three days and nights naturally fell, accumulated, and melted into a glassy substance. An olive-colored ash glaze flows thickly around the rim, forming pools in places and giving it a glossy finish. Because the flow of the flame and the way the ash falls are different for each piece, no two pieces will have the same texture.

3. A refined design that embodies the concept of wabi-sabi

The slightly narrowed body and gently flared rim create a form similar to that of a tub, allowing the matcha to foam up richly and presenting a beautiful appearance to the customer. After being shaped on the potter's wheel, the slight wobble that remains in the fingers brings a gentle rhythm to the handle, making it less tiring to hold even after long hours of practice.

4. The unique individuality of seashells

The small circular depressions that remain on the sides of the foot are traces of clam shells that supported the vessel during firing - "kaime" (shell marks). When ash melts into these depressions, a pale dark brown ring is created, highlighting the individuality of the piece, almost like an inscription imprinted by nature. Kaime has long been known as the "handprint of the kiln god," and has been prized as a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

5. Functional beauty that stands out at tea ceremonies

Matcha color : The rustic clay surface and ash glaze bring out the fresh green color of the brewed matcha.

Easy to hold : The slight unevenness of the body provides a comfortable grip for your fingers, allowing you to handle even hot bowls steadily.

Suitable for various seasons : The diameter is not too wide and it has excellent heat retention, making it useful during both hearth and brazier seasons.

6. The joy of growing it for years to come

When using for the first time, rinse lightly with water to moisten the surface of the vessel before serving.

After use, rinse quickly with lukewarm water, wipe off any excess water with a soft cloth, and then dry thoroughly in the shade.

Enjoy the changes that occur over time as the tea stains and ingredients from the hot water slowly seep into the clay, making it moist and richer.

A unique scene woven by the clay, which embodies the spirit of wabi-sabi, and the flames of the climbing kiln. Ichino Shinsui's Tamba tea bowl brings a quiet sense of tension and warmth to the tea ceremony, transforming a cup of matcha into an exceptional moment. Please cherish it for many years to come, and enjoy the "Tamba scenery" that deepens with the passage of time.

History of pottery making

• 1957: Born in Tachikui, Tanba as the eldest son of the founder Shinsui
• 1980: Started making pottery in Tamba Tachikui, selected for the Prefectural Exhibition
• 1983: Received the Cultural Association Award at the Prefectural Crafts and Arts Exhibition
• 1984: Received the Association Award at the Prefectural Crafts and Arts Exhibition and became a member of the Prefectural Crafts and Arts Artists Association.
• 1985: Selected for the All Kansai Art Exhibition
• 1986: Selected for the Japan Crafts Association Kinki Exhibition
• 1989: Selected for the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, Osaka Takashimaya Two-Person Exhibition, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition for the first time, Toyota Sogo Three-Person Exhibition
• 1990: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 1991: Selected for the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, Osaka Takashimaya Two-Person Exhibition, Prefectural Crafts and Arts Exhibition, Kobe Shimbun Grand Prize
• 1992: Selected for the Ikebukuro Seibu Horaikai Exhibition, the Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition, and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 1993: Selected for the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Certified as a full member of the Japan Crafts Association, Received the Kobe Shimbun Grand Prize at the Prefectural Crafts and Arts Exhibition
• 1995: Solo exhibition at Osaka Takashimaya, selected for the Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition, selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 1996: Selected for Gallery Kurimoto solo exhibition and Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 1997: Solo exhibition at Osaka Takashimaya, selected for the Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition, solo exhibition at Mito Keisei Department Store, solo exhibition at Gallery Eikosha
• 1998: Solo exhibition at Gallery Kurimoto, selected for the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Designs, solo exhibition at Daikokuya, solo exhibition at Osaka Takashimaya
• 1999: Selected for the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, Solo Exhibition at Toyota Sogo
• 2000: Selected for the Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition
• 2001: Selected for the Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition, and the 16th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition "Tanba Tea Caddy"
• 2002: Changed his name from Katsuaki to the second generation "Ichino Shinsui", was selected for the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Forms, and held the Ichino Shinsui Succession Exhibition at Osaka Takashimaya and JR Nagoya Takashimaya
• 2003: Selected for the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition, Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition, solo exhibition at Yonago Takashimaya, Gallery Momoyama, and Kobe Daimaru
• 2004: Solo exhibition at Houeidou, solo exhibition at JR Nagoya Takashimaya
• 2005: Selected for the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, Selected for the Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition, Solo exhibition at Gallery Kurimoto, Solo exhibition at Kyoto Takashimaya
• 2006: Solo exhibition at Yonago Takashimaya, Osaka Takashimaya, Shimonoseki Daimaru, Gallery Tsuboya
• 2007: Exhibited ceramics from Hyogo, selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, solo exhibition at JR Nagoya Takashimaya
• 2008: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Gallery Kurimoto solo exhibition
• 2009: Solo exhibition at Osaka Takashimaya, solo exhibition at Yonago Takashimaya
• 2011: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 2014: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition
• 2015: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition, and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 2016: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition, and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 2017: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 2018: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
• 2022: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition