Blue porcelain tea bowl Masao Tagai

Width: 13.3cm x 13.3cm Height: 7.0cm

Celadon tea bowl ( made by Masao Tagai )

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1. Overview of the work

This piece is a transparent celadon tea bowl with a faint bluish-gray hue - a so-called "shadow blue." In contrast to the gorgeous ice cracks and crackles of the previous work, this bowl has a subdued and extremely fine "micro-crazing" effect, bringing to the fore a tranquil space. The glaze is thick, and when light is passed through it, a pale blue hue can be seen floating in the depths of the milky, clear layer, creating an appealing soft hue reminiscent of the sky after rain. A slight hint of faint iron rust appears on the rim, giving a wabi outline to the clarity characteristic of celadon.

2. Shape and form

The slightly taut mouth of the teacup is rounded towards the body, creating a bowl shape. The curve at the base is gentle, allowing the bubbles to form evenly when the tea whisk is turned. The base is very low, and the inward tapering of the bottom stabilizes the vessel while giving it a light and airy appearance. Tagai adjusted the carving to create a "shadow that clings to the palm of your hand," and when you actually hold it in your hand, the slight bulge at the base fits comfortably in your fingers.

3. Technical features

Glaze design : By adjusting the iron powder , we aim to achieve a color that is one level lighter than Longquan celadon. By using a "reduction removal" process that gives the piece a light oxidation in the latter half of the firing process, we have achieved a clear blue-gray color that eliminates reddish hues.

Control of micro-crazing : By mixing feldspar and silica sand in the clay in a well-balanced manner and matching the expansion coefficient with the glaze, micro-crazing is formed that is difficult to detect with the naked eye. With repeated use, tea gradually seeps into the pottery, developing into a hazy, cloud-like pattern.

Iron rim : The base material is thinly scraped off only around the rim, leaving the glaze unapplied, and then reduced iron is drawn to the surface during firing, creating a faint brown color. This tightens the entire vessel and visually emphasizes the blue of the inside.

Historical context

In contrast to the "rain after the sky blue" symbolized by masterpieces from the Ru ware of the Song dynasty, this work is modeled on the pale coloring of "shadow blue (Jingdezhen shadow blue)" that flourished at the end of the Southern Song dynasty. Shadow blue is a mysterious blue color created by applying a thin blue glaze over a white porcelain base, and was introduced to Japan via Zen temples after the Kamakura period. Masao Tagai has reconstructed this tranquility into a modern tea bowl, presenting a Japanese interpretation that is in keeping with wabi and sabi.

5. Ideas for the tea ceremony

Dark tea : The jade-colored liquid surface stands out against the pale blue background of the vessel, creating a scene reminiscent of a spring in a secluded valley.

Light brown : The white foam and blue glaze overlap, creating a soft sea of ​​clouds. The faint light pool in the center of the bowl draws the attention of guests.

Changes over time : After several dozen servings, the tiny cracks will turn brown and a pale yellowish-brown haze will appear, deepening the appearance of the vessel.

6. Tips for Appreciation and Use

Glaze layer structure : When strong light is shone at an angle, very thin layers are visible in the glaze, creating a blue gradation.

Iron rust on the rim : This is the part that is most likely to get coated with matcha, so it gradually becomes glossier and blacker, accentuating the contrast between the blue and brown.

A sense of unity with the palm : The rounded body fits easily in the hand, helping to stabilize the fit of the garment.

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This work by Masao Tagai is a piece that avoids flashy scenes and quietly reflects the original "pale light between the clouds" of celadon. It reinterprets the poetic sentiment of Song celadon and presents the beauty of "white space" that is valued in the Japanese tea ceremony in a modern way, leaving the viewer with a quiet aftertaste. Please enjoy the scenery of the minute crazing and iron rim that develops the more you use it over the years.