Yuteki Tenmoku Vase by Shigeo Takemura

Width: 23.0cm Height: 21cm

A conversation with Shigeo Takemura and Yotaro Takemura

The beauty and presence of Yuteki Tenmoku vases

The " Yuteki Tenmoku Vase " by Takemura Shigeo is a work in which the mottled patterns created by the Yuteki Tenmoku technique give off a fantastic glow reminiscent of a starry sky. Its size and weight give it a dignified presence in the space, and its solid, stable form further enhances its beauty and dignity. Takemura's technique causes the glow to change depending on the angle of the light and the surrounding lighting, making it look just like a night sky full of twinkling stars, inviting the viewer into the depths of space.

The mysterious techniques of Yuteki Tenmoku

" Yuteki " refers to the phenomenon in which the metallic components contained in the iron glaze rise to the surface of the glaze during the firing process, forming patterns that look like oil droplets. When these appear as silvery dots like nebulae in space, and shine with rainbow colors depending on the light, they are called "Yohen". Takemura's Yuteki Tenmoku vase is covered with the shine of these oil droplets, and the appearance that changes depending on the viewing angle amplifies its appeal.

History and Tradition of Yuteki Tenmoku

The Yuteki Tenmoku technique was created in the 12th and 13th centuries at Jian Kiln, located in Fujian Province in southern China. The works of this Jian Kiln were extremely popular among Japanese military commanders and tea masters, and were loved by many military commanders and tea ceremony enthusiasts during the Warring States period. The Yuteki Tenmoku pattern is naturally generated in the kiln, and its appearance is reminiscent of the stars twinkling in the night sky or the universe itself. The pattern, which resembles iridescent oil specks, gives the impression of the vastness of the universe and unknown beauty, hence the name "Yuteki Tenmoku".

The origin and transmission of Tenmoku tea bowls

Tenmoku tea bowls have their origins in the tea utensils used around Mount Tenmoku in China. They are ceramic tea bowls colored black using an iron glaze called Tenmoku-yu, a glaze made from feldspar, limestone, and iron ions. Although iron glazes have been used since the Zhou period before Christ, tea bowls from the Eastern Jin period produced at Deqing Kilns in what is now Zhejiang Province are considered to be the most authentic. Later, during the Song dynasty, black-glazed tea bowls became highly valued as white tea became popular, and their production gradually flourished.

The Acceptance and Evolution of Tenmoku Tea Bowls in Japan

Tenmoku tea bowls were introduced to Japan by Zen monks during the Kamakura period, when Zen Buddhism was flourishing. After studying in China, they brought back the custom of drinking tea, and along with that, Chinese Tenmoku-glazed tea bowls also became widespread. During the time of Ashikaga Yoshimasa in the Muromachi period, Tenmoku tea bowls were particularly valued in the tea ceremony, and they became linked to the Japanese tea culture that pursues what we now call "wabi" and "sabi," and spread widely. As a result, Tenmoku tea bowls, with their two-tiered spout structure, became popular among tea masters, and were indispensable at important tea ceremonies such as daisu temae and kinin temae.

Characteristics of Tenmoku glaze and iron content of glaze

Tenmoku glaze is black in color because it contains a lot of iron, and the color varies depending on the iron content. If the iron content is around 1-2%, it becomes celadon, and if it is 15% or more, it becomes black porcelain, and depending on the iron content of the glaze, it was also called "ame-yu" (candy glaze) or "kaki-yu" (persimmon glaze). This type of black porcelain was also produced as everyday pottery, but pieces like Yuteki Tenmoku are made using a special technique, and were highly valued even in China at the time.

Stable beauty and utility as a flower vase

The Yuteki Tenmoku vases made by Shigeo Takemura are attractive for their solid, stable form and the beauty of their shine. The vases themselves are works of art, so they have a strong presence even without flowers inside. Their solid weight and stability blend in with modern interiors, and simply placing them in a room gives the space depth and calm. The beautiful shine of the oil droplets draws the viewer's attention, and this piece, which crystallizes the mystique of Yuteki Tenmoku and Takemura's technique, is not just a decorative item, but a work of art that captivates the viewer's heart.

Shigeo Takemura's passion for natural ash glazes and his unique techniques

Shigeo Takemura was born in Yamashina, Kyoto Prefecture , and studied under Morinobu Kimura , a holder of the Kyoto Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property. For over 30 years, he has been creating works using his own techniques with natural ash glazes. With a focus on the unique texture and color of the glazes obtained by using natural ash, and handling everything from glaze mixing to firing, Takemura has made a name for himself as a leading expert in natural ash glazes in contemporary ceramics. His works have the warmth and profound expression that only ash glazes that make use of the blessings of nature can provide, bringing out the charm of Yuteki Tenmoku to the fullest.

Shigeo Takemura's career as a ceramic artist and his future

Takemura-san has had a strong interest in pottery since his high school days, and studied it at Kyoto Municipal Hiyoshigaoka High School. After graduating, he continued his training under Kimura Morinobu, and in 1975 was selected for the first time at the 4th Japan Crafts Association Kinki Branch Exhibition. In 1980 , he opened Dainichigama and became independent. He continued to research glazes after that, and continues to produce works that combine the deep color of Tenmoku glaze with the warmth of natural ash glaze.

The Yuteki Tenmoku Vase is a piece of work that has evolved to meet modern aesthetic sensibilities while retaining traditional techniques.

Shigeo Takemura Biography

1953: Born in Yamashina, Kyoto Prefecture 1972: Graduated from Kyoto Municipal Hiyoshigaoka High School, Ceramic Department - Studied under Professor Kimura Morinobu 1975: First selection at the 4th Japan Crafts Association Kinki Branch Exhibition 1978: Selected for the Kyoto Prefecture Crafts and Arts Exhibition 1980: Became independent and opened Dainichi Kiln in Yamashina 1988: Selected for the 35th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 1989: Founded the Tsuchi no Ko-kai 1990: Selected for the 37th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 1996: Encouragement Award at the 25th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition 1998: Selected for the 53rd Shinsho Crafts Association Exhibition 2001: Solo exhibition at the Kyoto Crafts and Arts Association Exhibition, Takashimaya, Kyoto 2002: Selected for the 49th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2003: Solo exhibition at Okayama Takashimaya Art Gallery 2005: Solo exhibition at Yokohama Takashimaya Art Gallery 2006: Solo exhibition at Kyoto Takashimaya Art Gallery 2007: 36th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition, Kyoto Prefecture Board of Education Superintendent Award, Certified as a full member of the Japan Crafts Association Solo exhibition at Okayama Takashimaya Art Gallery 2008: 36th New Ceramics Exhibition by a full member of the Japan Crafts Association Ceramics Division, Japan Crafts Association Award 2009: Selected for the 56th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2010: Appointed as a judge for the 39th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition 2014-2018: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition 2019-2020: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition 2023: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2024: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition