Honami Koetsu black matcha tea bowl by Yanashita Hideki

Width 12.1cm Height 9.9cm

This bowl exudes a jet-black serenity yet exudes a fresh energy reminiscent of the contemporary artist Koetsu . The "Black Tea Bowl" by Yanashita Hideki is a masterpiece that combines boldness and elegance , with a sharp, beveled shape and a lustrous black color that beautifully blend together. The drinking rim feels as if it has been cleanly cut off, and the foot is meticulously crafted, boasting uncompromising perfection down to the smallest detail. Its beautiful design, which makes full use of the beauty of the Japanese "black," emanates a special presence the moment it is placed in a space, and each time it is used, it reveals new faces.

A one-of-a-kind black tea bowl shrouded in deep silence <br data-end="299" data-start="296">At first glance, the black tea bowls created by Yanashita Hideki appear to have a serene appearance, as if enveloped in pitch-black silence, but within them lies a profound artistry and powerful individuality . The moment they are placed in a space, they emit a special presence that completely changes the surrounding atmosphere, and are works that have the power to quietly but surely stir the hearts of those who see them.

An appearance that seems to condense the universe <br data-end="493" data-start="490">The color black evokes the vastness of the night sky and the mystery of the deep sea. This tea bowl, too, changes in subtle color and texture that emerges slightly from the depths of the jet black depending on the angle at which it is viewed and the amount of light it receives, giving it an appearance that is almost as if the depths of the universe have been condensed. The shadows that appear within the subtle sheen are an element that allows you to enjoy even more deeply the tranquil worldview of the tea ceremony.

A harmony between the sharp shape created by the chamfering and the lustrous black <br data-end="711" data-start="708">The main feature of this black tea bowl is the beauty of its form, created by the contrast between the sharp ridges created by the chamfering and the lustrous black that these surfaces reflect. The multifaceted form, which changes appearance depending on the angle, combines boldness and elegance , giving the overall impression a refined one. The drinking rim has a sharp edge, as if it has been cleanly cut off, and the coexistence of a smooth drink and beautiful appearance is testament to the maker's high level of skill and attention to detail.

A sense of stability created by a carefully crafted base <br data-end="953" data-start="950">This tea bowl has been made with absolutely no compromises, even in the construction of the base. The height, shape and balance of the base have been carefully calculated, achieving both a sense of stability when held in the hand and visual beauty. Even the appearance when viewed from the base is highly refined, showing how carefully the maker thought about the overall harmony.

The power to bring tranquility and elegance to a space <br data-end="1121" data-start="1118"> The great appeal of Yanagishita's black tea bowls is that they blend naturally not only into tea rooms, but also into modern interiors. When placed on a display shelf, their black color complements the surrounding colors, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere. Furthermore, when used as a practical vessel for making tea, their soft luster and shadows will add depth to the world of the tea ceremony and further enhance the spirit of hospitality. The design, woven together by the deep black and sharp bevels, tightens the entire space just by being there, inviting you to a special moment .

Fusion of Tradition and Innovation <br data-end="1382" data-start="1379">With Japan's long history of pottery culture as a backdrop, the designer creates new beauty by deliberately incorporating modern forms and sensibilities . By combining a free-spirited approach that evokes the spirit of Koetsu while living in the modern era with a refined sensibility, the black tea bowl was born, fusing the depth of traditional black with a modern form. This piece, which is innovative while remaining close to the spirit of the tea ceremony, shows the viewer new possibilities in the world of wabi-sabi, and can be said to be a work of art that transforms everyday moments into special ones .

Hideki Yanashita Profile
Ceramic artist 1967 –
Born in Tokyo, Yanagishita currently lives and works in Iga City, Mie Prefecture. Fascinated by pottery from the Momoyama period, he embarked on a career in ceramics. After training in Shigaraki , he built his own anagama kiln in Iga, Mie Prefecture, and opened the "Kanda Kiln." Under the tutelage of Sadamitsu Sugimoto, he delves deeply into the world of wabi-sabi from his own unique perspective, producing a diverse range of works, including Raku ware, Yakishime, Ido, and Oribe ware. An important theme in Yanagishita's creative endeavors is the pursuit of new heights , born from the incorporation of modern materials and unique approaches, while deeply studying the techniques and spirit of his predecessors. His works question essential beauty that transcends time and invite viewers into a deeper world of art.

Base of operations : Iga, Mie Prefecture

A conversation with Toki Yanagishita