Red tea bowl Bunsai Ogawa (5th generation)

Width: 16.0cm x 16.0cm Height: 6.0cm

The color of flame, the vessel of tranquility

"Red Tea Bowl" by Ogawa Bunsai V

The "Red Tea Bowl" by Ogawa Bunsai V is a work of art that exudes a powerful yet introspective beauty, as if a flame were quietly dwelling on the surface of the vessel. The flow of color, from deep crimson to ink and then to a purplish indigo, is the result of a dialogue between fire and earth, and the more you look at it, the more you are drawn into its depth.

The greatest appeal of this tea bowl lies in the tone of the glaze and the texture of its surface. The red glaze is not simply a result of color; it emerges as a deep, vibrant color through a complex crystalline transformation caused by the interweaving of clay particles and the temperature of the fire. The delicate crease pattern on the surface feels pleasant in the palm of your hand when you pick it up, impressing not only those who see it but those who touch it as well. This piece creates a beautiful contrast when filled with matcha. The rim is formed with a slight ripple, giving it a gentle and practical structure that is in tune with the actual act of making matcha.

Aesthetic sense and spirituality entrusted to the red of the flame

In the works of Ogawa Bunsai V, red was not merely a decorative color, but had a special presence, symbolizing inner passion and the power of life. In particular, in this "Red Tea Bowl," the flickering glaze, which could be called the "memory of flame," reflects the very spirit of the potter, nurtured in the fire.

To achieve this kind of glaze expression, advanced techniques and a deep understanding of firing are essential. Even the slightest change in temperature or oxygen conditions would cause this red glaze to change to a completely different hue, but Godai's outstanding skill is on display in the way he has managed to produce a stable color that seems almost calculated. This is the result of many years of trial and error and training to ensure that the "beauty of chance" is truly embraced.

Artist profile - The journey of Ogawa Bunsai V

Ogawa Bunsai V (real name: Ogawa Kinji) was born in Gojozaka, Kyoto in 1926. He was fond of pottery from an early age, and was first selected for the Nitten exhibition in 1950. He went on to win a string of prestigious awards, including first place at the Contemporary Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition, the Nitten Special Selection and Hokuto Award, and the Minister of Education Award.

His work has been highly acclaimed internationally, including winning the Grand Prix at the Vallauris International Ceramic Exhibition in France in 1974. In 1991 he officially assumed the name of Bunsai V and, as president of Kyoto College of Art, he also devoted himself to nurturing the next generation of artists.

His philosophy can be summed up in one sentence: "Tradition is not a form that must be passed down, but the inheritance of a spirit that is constantly being renewed." Not bound by tradition, Godai has preserved its core and sublimated his own unique beauty into pottery.

From red to green, and then to the sixth generation

The "aesthetics of red" that was prominent during the time of the fifth generation Ogawa Bunsai has been passed down in a new form to the current sixth generation Ogawa Bunsai (Oki). The sixth generation chose to use "green" as the main axis of expression rather than red, and his works reflect a desire for peace and coexistence with nature. While green symbolizes peace and healing, the fifth generation's red seems to speak to the strength of inner passion and prayer.

The red in this "Red Tea Bowl" is not simply a color, but a "record of flame" that symbolizes Godai's spirit and belief in pottery making. While the "Red Tea Bowl" gives off a powerful impression at first glance, a quiet prayer resides deep within. The warmth felt when holding the bowl, the flickering light reflected in the glaze, and the artist's soul sensed through it all are condensed into this single bowl.

This work, which combines the beauty of utility and spirituality that Ogawa Bunsai V pursued throughout his life, is a true monument to modern ceramics. Please take this opportunity to experience its beauty and spirit at your leisure.