Iron Glazed Kiln Change Tokkuri by Okada Masaru

Width: 9.8cm Height: 13.6cm

Iron Glazed Kiln-Changed Sake Bottle by Masaru Okada - "Layers of jet black overlap the mountain ridges, and the silver of the moonlight flickers quietly - a sake bottle that reflects the night view."

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Overview of the Work

The evenly spaced tiers around the body create a three-dimensional rhythm reminiscent of the overlapping ridgelines of distant mountains. The deep iron glaze sparkles silver-gray behind the black lapis lazuli, and the purple highlights left by the reduction flame bleed subtly into each section. When placed in the palm of your hand, the smooth, matte texture stimulates the pads of your fingers, and with each sip of sake, whether hot or cold, you are invited into the tranquility of the night sky.

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Scenery of iron glaze kiln transformation

Silver-Gray Stardust : The iron crystals precipitated on the surface reflect a moonlight-like light, changing its appearance with the light.

Purple-red fire : A thin line of red-purple runs around the edge of the section, adding a warm aftertaste to the darkness.

Pear-skin texture : Fine crystal grains cover the skin, creating a unique texture that is both matte and glossy.

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A look at history

Black-glazed sake vessels originated from the Setoguro and Iga tokkuri of the Momoyama period, and have been considered to embody the "aesthetics of darkness" among tea masters who appreciate the wabi-suki aesthetic. This work continues that spirit, while using a modern composition of stepped carving to model the layered clouds of the night mountains. Okada Masaru has captured the stars twinkling in the night air of the charcoal mountain and the moonlight layering the shading of the mountain shadows in the darkness of the iron glaze and the sparkle of silver gray.

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Conclusion

This iron-glazed kiln-transformed sake bottle has many overlapping layers of darkness and light. The ridges of the steps cast shadows every time sake is poured, and the silver ash sways gently around the rim of the cup. Whether it's for a quiet drink in the evening or a chat with guests, this sake bottle will add a poetic feeling to each and every drink, so please keep it by your side for a long time to enjoy.