Blue porcelain twisted star birth tea bowl Suwa Sozan

Width: 13.0cm Height: 7.0cm

This piece, the "Nerikomi Celadon Twisted Star-Birth Tea Bowl," is made by layering multiple layers of four-colored porcelain clays - white porcelain, celadon, blue porcelain, and crimson porcelain - to form the core, which is then turned in one go on a potter's wheel. Afterwards, while the bowl is still soft, the body is "twisted" in a spiral shape - a rare two-pronged technique in porcelain making this matcha bowl. The pink glow that bursts forth at the moment a new star is born from a distant nebula is visualized through the vibrant movement of the crimson clay layers of the kneaded clay and the twisted edges, giving it the name "Seitan (Star Birth)."

molding

The rhythm of the twisted body

The outer case is twisted clockwise while being tightened at equal intervals with the fingers, creating three tiered ridges. The layered stripes flow diagonally, creating a three-dimensional, undulating galactic vortex.

Curved rim

The rim is slightly curved outwards, so as not to interfere with the use of the tea whisk. The crimson layer on the rim suggests the flash of a nova across the night sky.

Shallow prospect and elevated ground

The base is shallowly open, and the spirals of kneading and twisting gently converge towards the base. The base is carved low and flares out slightly to make it fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. The crimson layer peeking out from the side of the base suggests the heat of the birth of a star.

Nerikomi x Nenuki - Layers and spirals that embrace the nebula

Layered structure of four-colored porcelain clay <br data-start="634" data-end="637">White porcelain, celadon porcelain, blue porcelain, and red porcelain are rolled out into sheets in that order, then stacked dozens of times and rolled into a cylinder, which is then shaped on a potter's wheel as a core clay. As the clay rotates, the layers form stripes, and by twisting and twisting, they are distorted diagonally, creating a three-dimensional vortex that cannot be achieved on a flat surface.

A veil of transparent celadon glaze <br data-start="755" data-end="758">After shaping, the entire piece is covered in a highly transparent celadon glaze and then reduced-fired. The glaze layer acts as a glassy membrane that envelops the internal layered pattern and reflects light, giving it a profound sense of depth. The celadon layer represents the depths of space, the crimson layer represents the flash of a nova, and the celadon layer gives the piece a clear appearance.

The feel of the glaze surface <br data-start="891" data-end="894">The glaze surface is smooth and smooth, and feels as if it is sticking to your fingertips. While you can enjoy the visual swirls and layers, the tranquility of the texture soothes the mind through the palm of your hand.

Harmony with Matcha <br data-start="1278" data-end="1281">The vivid green of the matcha emerges in the spiral layers, creating a visual effect as if the "core of the universe" has been born inside the bowl.

Lighting Effects <br data-start="1350" data-end="1353">When illuminated by the warm light of lanterns or candles, the crimson layer glows softly, while the blue layer emphasizes the depth of the starry sky. The mysterious scenery is particularly striking at night.

history

The rarity of Nejikuri

Nejikushi is originally a technique for twisting the body of a potter's wheel while it is still soft, creating wavy ridges, and is suitable for clay with high plasticity. There are very few examples of successful twisting with porcelain clay, and advanced humidity control and finger pressure control are essential to twist evenly without destroying the kneaded layer.

The development of nerikomi celadon

Building on the monochromatic celadon of the first Suwa Sozan , the fourth generation introduced dynamic expression through multi-layering and twisted weaving. The Starbirth series is positioned as a new phase in modern celadon, combining the serenity of celadon with cosmic dynamism.

The challenge of red porcelain coloring

The pink color of the crimson layer is produced by copper. It is difficult to stabilize in reduction firing, and the color easily fades when the layer is thin. In this work, the amount of copper is kept to a minimum, achieving a pale, soft pink color.

Suwa Sozan IV

Suwa Sozan IV (born in Kyoto in 1970) was trained by Suwa Sozan III and lacquer artist Nakamura Sotetsu XII, and succeeded to the title in 2002. With a background in celadon research, he utilizes a variety of techniques, including Hotarude, Tobiseiji, and Nerikomi celadon , and upholds the philosophy that "each piece should have a story, and be completed in harmony with the user's heart." The spiral of the twisted lacquerware on this tea bowl embodies the "dynamic moment when a nova is born from a nebula," expressing the desire to convey the breath of the universe to the moment of tea ceremony.

The "Kneaded Celadon Twisted Star-Birth Tea Bowl" is a masterpiece that embraces the depth of indigo and flashes of crimson within the serenity of jade green, and furthermore, the twisted spiral creates a three-dimensional nebula vortex. When matcha is poured into it, the green light blends into the star-birth vortex, inviting the infinite universe into the tea ceremony. This work, which crystallizes the outstanding technique and poetic sensibility of Suwa Sozan IV, envelops the space with grace and dynamism rather than luxury, and is sure to evoke in the viewer's hearts new hope and the birth of stars.