Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Clay Brushed Tea Bowl by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 13.8cm Height: 6.6cm

Brushed tea bowl made from clay from the base of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple, by Onishi Rakusai

--A single white brush stroke running through the sacred soil of 1,300 years--

1. Overview of the work

This tea bowl was crafted by the Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda, which was excavated during the major repairs in the Reiwa era, using clay from the base of the temple. It was finished by the eighth generation Onishi Rakusai using the "hakeme" (brushstroke) technique. It has a curved cylindrical shape, measuring approximately 14 cm in diameter and 7 cm in height, and the white brushstrokes that run from the body to the base of the bowl connect the scenery like the spring haze of Yamato.

2. Scenery and glaze

The reddish-brown color of the base <br data-start="249" data-end="252">The high iron content in the base soil causes the color to appear during reduction firing, giving the base a reddish-brown to purplish-brown earthy color.

Brush marks on the white makeup <br data-start="311" data-end="314">The kaolin-based white makeup clay was applied in one stroke with a horsehair brush, leaving the brush strokes as uneven surfaces. The edges of the makeup are also fluffy, giving it a rough texture that can be enjoyed.

Purple steel color produced by kiln transformation
The rim and inside, which have been heavily exposed to the fire, have a purple steel luster that appears as a result of the intersection of oxidation and reduction, and the rim shines slightly when matcha is brewed.

3. Forming and baking

Turning on a potter's wheel and thinning <br data-start="527" data-end="530">The base clay is used as the main material, with about 30% Akahada clay added, and it is turned thinly in one go, leaving the coarse grain intact.

Applying white veneer <br data-start="587" data-end="590">By brushing on the white veneer before it dries and then lightly wiping it off with your fingers as it dries, the surface becomes uneven, giving the scenery depth.

Wood-fired kiln firing (strong reduction)
It is fired with pine wood for 48 hours, kept at around 1250°C, and then cooled rapidly by squeezing out the air. This causes the iron to crystallize, resulting in a dark purple color and metallic luster.

4. The significance of using foundation soil

The clay that has supported the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple for 1,300 years is rich in iron, quartz, and mica, and when fired it displays a unique texture that combines a metallic sparkle with the reddish earthiness of the clay. Based on the theme of "transforming still clay into dynamic vessels," Onishi Rakusai effectively uses glazes to bring out the voice of the clay itself .

5. Arrangements at tea ceremonies

6. Usability

The rim is thinly carved, making it light on the lips. The roughness of the brush strokes feels comfortable in the palm of your hand, and when you pour tea into it, the bubbles mix with the unevenness of the white coating, creating a rich, nuanced look.

7. Summary

The "Yakushiji East Pagoda Base Clay Brushed Tea Bowl" features a unique landscape born from the interplay of the clay that supported the sacred pagoda, the fleeting brush strokes, and the coincidence of the flame. Through the breath of the clay felt in the palm of your hand and the lingering echoes of the white brush strokes, this bowl quietly resonates with the history of Nara and the wabi (traditional Japanese tea ceremony). Please enjoy it at any tea ceremony in any season, while reflecting on 1,300 years of prayer.

This piece is made using 100% clay from the Yakushiji Temple grounds, with all impurities thoroughly removed, and is characterized by its clear beauty. The clay has aged over time and is homogeneous, and when fired it acquires a clear luster, and when fired it takes on a gentle color reminiscent of old roofing tiles. Its smooth texture and resistance to warping are also appealing. The story of the clay, which embodies 1,300 years of history, brings a sense of peace every time you hold it in your hands. This is a special piece that combines material, beauty, and spirituality.

A conversation with Onishi Rakusai – High-end pottery specialty store [Amagi Do]