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 white Tamba 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, and is filled with a delicate light that seems to capture the mist of early spring. The glaze surface, which has been slowly fired in a reducing flame, has a soft glassy luster, but also leaves a cool, comfortable tension on the fingertips. When tea is made, the fresh green of the matcha creates a striking contrast with the white glaze, quietly drawing the customer's attention.

2. A "starry landscape" created by countless crazes

The fine crazing running across the surface of the pottery is a natural pattern created by the difference in shrinkage between the glaze and the clay. Iron powder peeks out here and there like pointillism, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of stars twinkling in the night sky. As the pottery is used, tea stains will soak into the crazing, and light brown lines will emerge on the milky white surface, developing into a landscape unique to the owner.

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

The slightly bulging body and modestly narrowing rim create a shape similar to that of a cylindrical tea bowl, which has excellent heat retention and can be used in both robber and furo seasons. The base is cut slightly higher and the depth is trimmed to a moderate depth, allowing the tea whisk to fit naturally and creating a beautiful, even foam. The swaying of the body, which has exquisitely erased the finger marks of the potter's wheel, conveys a soft rhythm to the palm of your hand, and you won't feel tired even after long hours of practice.

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

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

5. Functional beauty that stands out 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 good grip for your fingers, making it easy to handle even a hot bowl.

6. The joy of growing it for a long time

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 excess water with a soft cloth, and 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 testament to the time spent with the vessel.

The pure white of the Shirotanba glaze and the starry sky-like crazing create a scene of wabi (traditional Japanese beauty) - this Shirotanba tea bowl by Masamoto Naosaku is a "growing vessel" that will bring a quiet dignity to the tea ceremony and accompany you in your daily practice as well as on special occasions. Please treasure it for a long time and enjoy the scenery that deepens with time.