Iron glaze kiln change katakuchi by Okada Yu

Width: 12.0cm Height: 10.3cm

Iron-glazed kiln-changed katakuchi (Katakuchi) by Okada Masaru - "The surface of the lake at late evening is clothed in the thin robe of the moon, quietly guiding a single vein of water."

Overview of the work

The iron glaze sinks like darkness - on its surface, a faint silvery-blue light left by the reducing flame floats like mist, revealing irises of pale purple or greenish-gray depending on the angle you look at it from. The modestly elongated beak is as delicate as the bow of a moon boat, bringing graceful undulations to the act of pouring. The rounded and narrowed body has the perfect capacity for both cooling water and serving sake. This katakuchi embodies the tranquility of night and its flickering light in a single vessel.

Highlights of the sculpture

Scenery of iron glaze kiln changes

Silver-blue haze <br data-start="575" data-end="578">The iron crystals on the surface glow silver-blue, evoking the image of a night sky with thin clouds obscuring the moon.

Purple highlights <br data-start="625" data-end="628">A slight reddish-purple bleeds across the rim of the mouth and the ridges of the shoulders, breathing a breath of warmth into the darkness.

Matte pear-skin finish <br data-start="676" data-end="679">When you touch it, fine crystal grains remain slightly on your fingers, improving comfort and heat retention.

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The artist's perspective

Based on the traditions of Kiyomizu-Gojozaka in Kyoto, Okada Masaru reflects the night air of Sumiyama in Uji. Based on the belief that "the wind blows gently inside and outside the vessel," this katakuchi (cup) depicts silence with the darkness of the iron glaze , stardust with the silver-blue kiln change , and the path of the wind with the trickle of the beak . The hot water and sake poured into the cups are accompanied by starlight, gently moving from vessel to vessel.

Conclusion

When you gently tilt the black lapis lazuli katakuchi sake cup, which is filled with starry skylight, into your palm, a faint silvery blue light glides into the sake cup and tea bowl, and the silence of the night spreads along with the sound of a trickle of water.This iron-glazed kiln-change katakuchi sake cup will be a beloved companion that will add a deep aftertaste to seasonal sake, hot water, and soup stock, and will be a treasured possession for many years to come.