kawaii matcha tea bowl, made by Naosaku

White Tanba tea bowl - Naosaku Masamoto

Height 8.5 cm x diameter 12.5 cm

1. The pure beauty of the white Tanba glaze

The white Tanba glaze that covers the outside and inside of this piece is a pale milky white with a hint of cherry blossom pink, exuding a delicate light that seems to capture the mist of early spring. Slowly fired in a reducing flame, the glaze surface has a soft, glassy luster, while still leaving a cool, pleasant sensation of tension on the fingertips. When tea is made, the fresh green of the matcha creates a striking contrast with the white glaze, quietly catching the customer's eye.

2. A starry landscape created by countless crazes

The fine crazing running across the surface of the vessel is a natural pattern created by the difference in shrinkage between the glaze and the clay. Iron powder peeking out here and there, like pointillism, creates an effect reminiscent of stardust twinkling in the night sky. With use, the crazing will soak in tea stains, and pale brown lines will emerge on the milky white surface, developing into a landscape unique to the owner.

3. A neat design that fits snugly in the palm of your hand

The slightly bulging body and modestly narrowed rim create a form similar to a "tube tea bowl," providing excellent heat retention and making it suitable for use over both a hearth and a brazier. The base is slightly raised and the base is just deep enough to allow the tea whisk to fit naturally and create a beautiful, even foam. The swaying of the body, with the traces of the potter's wheel perfectly erased, transmits a gentle rhythm to the palm, preventing fatigue even after long hours of practice.

4. The tradition of Masamoto Naosaku's "Naosaku Kiln"

Naosaku Kiln is one of the oldest kilns in the Tanba Six Ancient Kilns lineage, and continues to maintain the tradition of long firing times in climbing kilns burning red pine firewood. In this piece, a small amount of wood ash falls on the rim, lightly melting the white glaze and creating a pale pink color, giving us a glimpse of that traditional technique.

5. Functional beauty that shines at tea ceremonies

Matcha color : The milky white glaze surface brings out the fresh green color of the matcha.

Heat retention : The thick clay pot slows the drop in water temperature, allowing for more leisurely tea ceremony movements.

Easy to hold : The slight tension in the body and the height of the base provide a comfortable grip for your fingers, allowing you to handle even hot bowls steadily.

6. The joy of growing it forever

When using for the first time, rinse the vessel lightly with water to moisten the cracks before making tea.

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

Please note that prolonged soaking or excessive use of detergent can cause unnecessary moisture and oil to get into the cracks.

The pale brown lines and spots created by tea stains can be enjoyed as a testament to the time spent with the vessel.

The pure white of the white Tanba glaze and the starry sky-like crazing create a scene of wabi (traditional Japanese beauty). This white Tanba tea bowl by Masamoto Naosaku imparts a quiet elegance to the tea ceremony, making it a "tableware that grows" with you, whether you're practicing daily or celebrating a special occasion. We hope you'll treasure it for many years to come, and enjoy the beauty that deepens with time.