Shrimp bowl by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 11.8cm Height: 7.8cm

This work by Onishi Rakusai features a large, majestic spiny lobster against a pure white glaze background, creating a bowl that expresses both auspiciousness and dynamism. Since ancient times, spiny lobsters have been considered a symbol of good fortune, signifying "longevity," "prosperity of descendants," and "promotion," and have been used extensively in New Year decorations and weddings. In this work, the lobster fills the tea bowl, inviting a celebratory spirit and the life force of the sea into the tea ceremony. Below, we will explain the appeal of this piece from five perspectives.

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1. Shape and clay

Neat proportions of the body <br data-start="280" data-end="283">The bulging body shape, which gently extends from the inside to the rim, has an ideal ratio that makes it easy to create an even foam in the matcha.

Three-sided split platform (split foot platform)
The foot is cut in three directions to create a split foot, which gives it a modern, stable feel while retaining the strength inherent in the Goki style. The base contains a small amount of iron, and the cherry-pink fire color produced by reduction firing is faintly apparent, adding a touch of vermilion to the ware used in celebrations.

The stage for the snow-white glaze <br data-start="479" data-end="482">The snow-white glaze that covers the exterior and interior has a glassy shine and is extremely smooth to the touch. It softly reflects the light, highlighting the red of the spiny lobster and making the green of the matcha look vibrant.

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2. Design - The auspicious and dynamic nature of spiny lobster

Bold composition <br data-start="597" data-end="600">By allowing the shrimp's carapace to overflow over the entire body, from the tail fan to the head, a different part of the shrimp is revealed every time the bowl is turned, creating the visual effect of the shrimp swimming around.

A medley of red paint and gold paint <br data-start="694" data-end="697">The shell is painted with red iron paint, and the joints, spines, and spots are dotted with gold paint to emphasize its three-dimensionality and opulence. The eyes are coated with black glaze to give them a glossy finish and a lively expression, which is also an excellent touch.

Long, flexible antennae and legs <br data-start="801" data-end="804">The antennae and walking legs, drawn in one go with a fine brush, are reminiscent of the shrimp's characteristic bouncing momentum and the flowing lines in the water, imbuing the still life with a sense of movement.

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3. Techniques - The sophistication of Kyoto ware color painting

Red enamel application <br data-start="905" data-end="908">By applying a relatively thick layer of red iron paint and re-firing it at a low heat, the shell becomes uneven, giving it a tactile realism.

Fine gold-dust line drawing <br data-start="978" data-end="981">The gold-dust is fired at around 800℃ to ensure a shine that is resistant to peeling. By highlighting the spots and knots with gold, it adds a touch of elegance befitting a celebratory piece.

Contrast with White Glaze <br data-start="1059" data-end="1062">The "beauty of white space", which leaves a large area of ​​pure white glaze except for the painted areas, further accentuates the gorgeous shrimp design and creates the effect of combining modern minimalism with classical decoration.

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4. Functional beauty at the tea ceremony

Matcha Shines <br data-start="1175" data-end="1178">The inside is unified with a plain white glaze, against which the green of the matcha shines like a mirror. When the tea ceremony is performed, the red and gold of the shrimp are reflected on the tea surface, creating a bright and festive atmosphere.

A wide range of seasons and occasions <br data-start="1266" data-end="1269">This design has an extremely wide range of meanings, and is suitable for the first tea ceremony of the New Year, tea ceremonies to celebrate longevity such as the 60th or 77th birthday, and even auspicious occasions such as promotions and the opening of new businesses.

Stable feel in the hand <br data-start="1346" data-end="1349">The three-sided raised base allows your fingers to rest naturally, making it easy to hold, and the thin rim feels light on the lips, so despite its apparent volume, it is also highly practical.

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5. Cultural background and modernity

In samurai society, spiny lobsters were considered a symbol of dignity, so much so that their shape was imitated in the "ebido" armor, and they were also favored in the tea ceremony as a design that prays for longevity and good fortune in battle. This work reconstructs this traditional motif with a refreshing color scheme of white glaze, red painting, and gold paint, giving it a lightness that will look good in modern tea ceremonies and interiors. While inheriting the lineage of "kirei sabi," Onishi Rakusai has elevated this work to become a bridge between the classics and the modern by adopting a refined white base with a subdued earthiness.

A spiny lobster swimming vigorously in the pure white ocean - its gorgeous red and gold color succinctly expresses the celebratory spirit of wishing for longevity and prosperity. When placed at a tea ceremony, the pulse of celebration will resonate within the bowl, and conversations with guests will naturally become filled with joy and celebration. Onishi Rakusai's lobster tea bowl is an exceptional piece suitable for special occasions, combining auspiciousness and dynamism, the "beauty of utility" and the "beauty of storytelling."

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi