Celadon sake cup by Masao Tagai

Width: 5.7cm x 6cm Height: 6.4cm

Celadon sake cup by Masao Tagai

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1. Overview of the work

This sake cup features a pale blue glaze (rain-filled blue) that reflects the color of the sky after rain, and an organic form reminiscent of rock surface. The irregularly swaying rim has a thin layer of glaze left on it to create an iron rim, and the body is turned on a potter's wheel to carve gentle twists and depressions, with three feet supporting the base. The mirror-like glaze surface is dotted with shading and iron spots created by glaze pools, adding a dynamic scene to the tranquil blue world.

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2. Shape and design

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3. Technical features

Glaze Design
A high-viscosity mixture of iron powder and feldspar. After firing at high temperature, the final stage is reduced to a more oxidized state, called "reduction removal," which reduces the reddish hue and brings out a deep, clear blue color.

Crazing and iron spots <br data-end="658" data-start="655">The expansion coefficients of the clay and glaze are roughly the same, preventing large cracks. Fine ice cracks and iron spots appear in the glaze pools in the recesses, adding an accent to the scenery.

Mirror Finish <br data-end="738" data-start="735">After firing, a low-temperature reduction process is applied to re-melt the surface of the glaze, resulting in a moist luster and soft reflection.

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4. Functional beauty as a sake vessel

Temperature retention : The thick glaze and tripod structure create an air layer that keeps cold sake cool and hot sake at the perfect temperature.

Mouthfeel : The wavy edges give the lips a multifaceted feel, allowing the liquor to flow smoothly onto the tongue.

Grip : The uneven surface of the handle provides a grip for the fingers, making it less slippery and reducing the weight of the grip.

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5. Historical and cultural context

The three-legged vessel shape dates back to the bronze vessels of the Yin and Zhou dynasties, called "Tei" and "Shaku," and symbolizes sacredness and stability. Attempts to transfer this design to celadon were rarely seen in the Song dynasty Longquan kilns, and in Japan it was cherished by Momoyama tea masters as a playful expression of wabi. Based on this classical background, Masao Tagai has elevated it to his own unique sake cups that combine wabi and modernity by adding a layer of chance through hand twisting.

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6. Points to note when viewing

Shadow at the feet <br data-end="1191" data-start="1188">The shadow created by the vessel being slightly raised adds a sense of lightness to the tranquility of the blue glaze.

Changes in the iron rim over time <br data-end="1250" data-start="1247">The silver-grey rim will develop a glossy black color with repeated use, making the contrast with the pale blue even more pronounced.

Flickering Light <br data-end="1303" data-start="1300">When light hits it from an angle, the unevenness is reflected like the surface of water, and the blue color changes appearance from moment to moment.

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7. Conclusion

This "Celadon Sake Cup" is a "poem in utility" that harmonizes the serenity of the clear blue, the movement of the hand-twisting, and the lightness created by the three legs. It gently accompanies both cold and hot sake, and the appearance of the cup's surface gradually deepens with each successive cup - this process is sure to become a story woven by the user, the cup, and the sake. Please use it for many years to come, and enjoy the changing appearance of the celadon along with the seasonal sake.

A conversation with Masao Tagai – High-end pottery specialty store [Amagi-do]