Tenmoku glaze sake cup by Okada Yu

Width: 8.0cm Height: 5.2cm

Tenmoku glaze sake cup

- Created by Masaru Okada -

Work summary

This Tenmoku-glazed sake cup was created by Okada Masaru, who has a kiln in Uji Sumiyama, Kyoto. The slightly taut, elegant shape of the cup is accented with a steel-black background and silver-gray oil droplet crystals, creating a landscape reminiscent of tiny stars dancing in the night sky. A subtle scarlet seeps into the rim, quietly suggesting a warmth lurking in the darkness.

Glaze and Technique

A small amount of manganese oxide is added to the iron feldspar-based Tenmoku glaze , giving the black glaze a deep blue-steel color.

Through the three-stage firing process of primary reduction → slight oxidation → rapid cooling , fine iron crystals are precipitated on the surface, resulting in a stable appearance of oil droplets resembling silver sand.

The scarlet color of the rim is the result of a deliberate oxidation process towards the end of the firing process called "hiirodashi." The contrast with the black glaze softly brings out the contours of the vessel.

Historical background

Tenmoku glaze originated in the Jian kilns of the Song dynasty and was introduced to Japan by Zen monks during the Kamakura period. The coincidental crystalline patterns, such as oil droplets and Yohen patterns, are highly valued in the tea ceremony as the "mystery of kiln change" and continue to fascinate many artists to this day. While this piece builds on the traditional Tenmoku aesthetic, Okada Masaru's unique "fluctuation firing" technique has succeeded in weaving in a faint glow reminiscent of silver sand.

Aesthetic Intention and Spirituality

This sake cup embodies a tranquility reminiscent of the Zen phrase "Yashokumuhen." The scene of a faint light flickering in the depths of darkness is like a condensed version of the infinite universe, and every time you take a sip, you are reminded of the preciousness of a "once-in-a-lifetime encounter."

How to use and points to note

Suitable for chilled and room temperature sake : The fine oil droplet crystals scatter light, bringing out the clear color of the sake.

Lighting effect : The silver droplets stand out in the warm light of incandescent lamps and candles, while the deep blue-steel color stands out in daylight LED.

Versatility : Although it is smaller than a matcha bowl, its sturdy base makes it suitable for both gyokuro and sencha, making it enjoyable as both a sake and tea bowl.

This sake cup, in which the abyss of black and the faint light of silver coexist, is the culmination of the "controlled coincidence" that Okada Masaru has pursued for many years. We hope you will enjoy the blissful experience of drinking as you contemplate the silent universe while watching the scenery change in your hands.