Black glazed tea bowl by Masahiro Ichino

Height: 12.5cm Width: 6.4cm

Tenmoku tea bowl by Masahiro Ichino - A crystallization of exquisite beauty and history woven with Tenmoku glaze

A unique landscape created by the miracle of Tenmoku glaze

"Tenmoku Tea Bowl by Ichino Masatoshi" features a unique and beautiful landscape created by the Tenmoku glaze, which is an exquisite harmony between chance and calculation. On the surface, you can see starry sky-like spots, oil droplet patterns, and deep, radiant color changes that appear when the iron ions contained in the iron glaze react at high temperatures. No two pieces are the same, and each is a work of art that tells its own story. In particular, the beautiful reflections and luster reminiscent of a starry sky, such as those of the "Yohen Tenmoku," strongly appeal to tea masters and pottery enthusiasts.

The history and cultural background of Tenmoku tea bowls

Tenmoku tea bowls have their roots in iron-glazed tea bowls produced at the Jian and Jizhou kilns of the Song Dynasty in China from the 10th to 13th centuries. The first records date back to the Northern Song Dynasty, when tea culture was at its height and they were prized as black tea bowls that accentuated the beauty of white tea. In particular, the "Jianzhan" tea bowls fired at the Jian kiln feature beautiful patterns such as Yohen Tenmoku and Yuteki Tenmoku, and were prized not only in China but also in Japan.

Tenmoku tea bowls were brought to Japan by Zen monks who trained at Mount Tenmoku during the Kamakura period, and became fused with Zen philosophy to occupy an important position in tea ceremony culture. In the Muromachi period, Tenmoku tea bowls were highly valued at tea ceremonies, due in part to their popularity among Ashikaga Yoshimasa. They were gradually classified based on shape, pattern, and type of glaze, resulting in a wide variety of variations such as Yohen Tenmoku, Yuteki Tenmoku, and Konoha Tenmoku. Even today, Tenmoku tea bowls are masterpieces that are valued for their historical background and technical value.

The technical and chemical properties of Tenmoku glaze

The black glaze that characterizes Tenmoku tea bowls develops its color when the iron-rich glaze is fired at high temperatures. When the iron content is 1-2%, the glaze has a pale color like celadon, while at 15% or more it turns deep black. Furthermore, black glazes develop color easily in both oxidation and reduction firing, making their production more stable than other glazes. The patterns in Tenmoku glaze are created when the iron crystallizes during firing, which creates distinctive decorations such as oil droplets and Yohen patterns.

Furthermore, the surface of the Tenmoku glaze has a smooth and pleasant texture that feels good to the touch, and it becomes more comfortable in your hand with each use. This technique inherited the pottery techniques of the Song Dynasty in China, and has been further developed by Japanese potters. Masahiro Ichino's Tenmoku tea bowls have a modern beauty that preserves traditional techniques while adding his own unique interpretation.

Shapes and types of Tenmoku tea bowls

The basic shape of a Tenmoku tea bowl is a funnel shape with a wide mouth and a small foot. There are three types of Jianzhan made in China's Jian kilns: the Tsukukou bowl, the Liekou bowl, and the Shiokou bowl, each with its own unique beauty. Meanwhile, the Jishu kilns produced unique designs such as the Konoha Tenmoku and Moji Tenmoku. Japanese Tenmoku tea bowls are based on these Chinese pottery designs, with some reflecting the characteristics of each region, such as the Shiro Tenmoku of Mino ware and the Kikuka Tenmoku of Seto ware.

In particular, Yohen Tenmoku is considered the highest grade among Kenzan, and its pattern of radiating spots like the starry sky is so rare that only a few pieces remain in the world. These differences in types and the stories behind them further deepen the charm of Tenmoku tea bowls.

Craftsmanship and artistry - Features of Masahiro Ichino's work

Masahiro Ichino has established his own unique style of pottery that incorporates modern sensibilities while inheriting the traditions of Tamba Tachikui. This Tenmoku tea bowl is a masterpiece that was made with great attention to detail, from the composition of the glaze to the timing of firing. The work, which maximizes the accidental beauty created by the glaze while also taking into consideration the shape and texture, combines art and practicality.

Special vessels that add color to the tea ceremony

This Tenmoku tea bowl will make your tea ceremony experience even more special. Its deep color and pattern bring out the beauty of the tea and add a touch of elegance to your tea ceremony. Its shape fits comfortably in your hand and its moderate weight makes it comfortable to use.

Lasting Value

Masahiro Ichino's Tenmoku tea bowls are timeless pieces that will be loved for generations to come. The longer they are used, the deeper the texture becomes and the more special their presence becomes. They are treasures that can be used for a lifetime and are worthy of being passed down to the next generation.

The special joy of owning a Tenmoku tea bowl

"Tenmoku tea bowl by Masahiro Ichino" is a work that combines historical background, beautiful patterns, and outstanding craftsmanship. It gives a sense of the weight of history and culture, while also being practical enough to add color to your daily tea ceremony. Through this tea bowl, you can enjoy the profound charm of Tenmoku tea bowls and a special moment.