Tea Bowl with Standing Crane by Takahashi Dohachi

Width: 11.2cm Height: 9.1cm

This work, "Standing Crane Tea Bowl," features a single crane painted with a fine brush on a neat white glaze, and is a work that symbolizes the pure aesthetic sense of the ninth generation Takahashi Michihachi.
The design, stripped of all unnecessary elements, exudes serenity, elegance, and a sense of life.

1. Beauty of form - A form that echoes a dignified standing posture

The bowl shape has a slightly high waist and a straight outline with a modestly curved mouth, giving the bowl an overall sense of dignified tension.
The base is slightly raised, giving it a firm impression, but when you pick it up you can feel the light and stable center of gravity.
The composition is designed to resonate with the balance of the palm-sized form and the noble figure of the standing crane.

2. Glaze Tone - Warmth hidden in the stillness of the white glaze

The white glaze that covers the entire piece contains a slight amount of ash, giving it a soft, bluish milky white color.
The surface is covered with tiny indentations, which create delicate shadows when exposed to light.
The pools of glaze show shades of pale grey, creating a poetic stillness that evokes the image of a crane standing in the early morning mist.

3. Design - The purity of each stroke

On the body is a single standing crane drawn in extremely simple strokes.
The figure is expressed using minimal lines from the head to the torso and legs, and by making use of the white space, it leaves a quiet impression on the viewer's mind.
The crane is a symbol of longevity and good fortune, and its noble, quiet appearance reflects the ideal image of a person.
The way it appears like an ink painting in the tranquil world of white glaze can be said to be the pinnacle of Dohachi's unique "unpainted beauty."

4. Technique - A fusion of underglaze painting and iron painting

The shape of the crane is depicted using underglaze iron paint.
After firing, the iron oxidizes, turning the lines a dark brown. They softly sink into the white glaze, but the outlines still retain a strong presence.
Additionally, by subtly varying the thickness of the glaze, a subtle blur of light is created around the crane, giving it a pictorial depth.

5. Historical and Cultural Background - The Crane Design and its Symbolism in the Tea Ceremony

The crane has been a representative auspicious motif since ancient times, symbolizing longevity, peace, and purity.
In the tea ceremony, the crane and turtle, as well as the pine, bamboo, and plum, are often used at tea ceremonies on celebrations and festivals, and the white crane design in particular has been revered as a symbol of a "purified heart."
The ninth Takahashi Michihachi does not overly embellish the symbolism, but instead reconstructs it through the tension between lines and white space.
This is an exceptionally sophisticated piece in the series, elevating classical patterns with a tranquil modern sensibility.

6. The lineage and style of Takahashi Dohachi

The Takahashi Dohachi family has been known as a prestigious Kyoto ware family since the late Edo period, and has perfected the sophistication of colored and blue-and-white porcelain.
The 9th generation master studied fashion design before moving into pottery, studying under the 8th generation master in 1996, and succeeding to the name of the 9th generation master in 2012.
He has established a style based on the themes of "tranquility, balance, and space" by fusing the sensibility of traditional Kyoto ware with modern design.

This work, "Tea Bowl - Standing Crane," features a single stroke of a crane on a pure white glaze, making it a masterpiece that embodies the balance of extreme simplicity and beauty.
When you pick it up, the soft warmth of the glaze and the serenity of the standing crane will fill your heart.
This is an excellent item that will calm your mind and bring you a moment of clarity, not only during celebratory tea ceremonies but also during your everyday tea break.