White Charming tea bowl, made by Naosaku

White Tanba tea bowl - Naosaku Masamoto

Height 8.5 cm x diameter 14.0 cm

1. The "early spring haze" reflected in the white Tanba glaze

The white Tanba glaze that covers this piece is a soft milky white, reminiscent of the light of melting snow. Behind it, the glaze has a subtle cherry blossom hue, creating a faint morning mist-like shadow. Iron powder scattered during firing shines like pointillism, creating a delicate stardust effect on the simple earthenware finish.

2. The pale pink scenery awakened by the hot water

When lukewarm water is poured into the bowl, a faint pink hue appears softly on the surface. This occurs when the traces of copper visible in the white glaze and the iron in the clay react with each other due to the temperature. When the bowl is blanched during a tea ceremony, guests can admire the fleeting "sign of peach" that appears, and a quiet sense of surprise and delight fills the room.

3. The scenery created by the penetrating nebula

The fine crazing that runs across the surface of the bowl will absorb tea stains over time, turning it into a light brown to ink color. The more the bowl is used, the deeper the nebula pattern will become, and with the warmth of the owner's hands, a unique expression will develop.

4. A neat form that fits snugly in the palm of your hand

The softly bulging body and gently tapered rim create a cylindrical shape that provides excellent heat retention, making it ideal for use in both robes and braziers. The base is modestly cut and the cup is slightly deeper, allowing the chasen tea whisk to fit naturally and creating beautiful bubbles. The swaying body, which leaves soft impressions, fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, preventing fatigue even after long hours of practice.

5. Masamoto Naosaku and the pride of Naosaku Kiln

Naosaku Kiln is one of the oldest kilns, carrying on the spirit of the Six Ancient Kilns of Tamba to the present day. Continuing to adhere to the climbing kiln firing method using red pine firewood, the company thoroughly strives to achieve both "use and beauty," supporting the parts that are left to chance with calculation and experience. In this piece, too, the firing process is carefully controlled, with careful reading of the flow of the flame, resulting in a delicate color that captures subtle crimson and stardust within the white glaze.

6. Usage and care instructions

First use : Lightly rinse with water to moisten the crazing before serving.

Cleaning : After use, rinse gently with lukewarm water, dry with a soft cloth and dry in the shade.

Things to avoid : Using detergents, soaking in water for long periods of time, or using hard sponges will prevent the porcelain from breathing and will damage the glaze surface.

7. The joy of wabi deepens with the passage of time

The purity of the white Tanba glaze, the fleeting pale pink, the nebula of indentations—all of these slowly change over the years of use. As the tea stains form lines and the glaze surface softens and settles, the tea bowl will grow into a "partner" that reflects the owner's spirit.

The tranquil white of the white Tanba glaze and the subtle pink that blooms in the steam. Masamoto Naosaku's white Tanba tea bowl adds a small surprise and a gentle aftertaste to every tea ceremony, bringing a refined finish to any tea ceremony. Please treasure it for many years to come and enjoy the unique scenery that has been nurtured by time.