Tenmoku glaze sake cup by Okada Yu

Width: 8.7cm Height: 5.0cm

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 the Uji Sumiyama area of ​​Kyoto. The elegant bowl shape is covered in a Tenmoku glaze of blue steel, which has a faint purple-gray hue, and the surface is dotted with silver sand-like oil droplet crystals like frost. A slight crimson color seeps into the rim, quietly suggesting a warmth dwelling in the darkness.

Glaze and firing techniques

Traces of cobalt oxide and manganese oxide are mixed into the iron feldspar-based Tenmoku glaze to create a blue-steel color with a black base.

Fluctuation firing : The black color is fixed by the first reduction, and then by frequently alternating between reduction and weak oxidation in the latter half of the firing, oil-drop-shaped iron crystals are uniformly precipitated on the surface.

Scarlet Dashi : The amount of oxygen is increased slightly towards the end of the brewing process, causing the iron around the rim to oxidize and form a thin purple-brown film, adding a subtle warmth to the darkness.

Glaze surface : Satin-like semi-gloss, with a calm matte appearance from a distance, but a metallic glow appears as you get closer, and the appearance changes depending on the distance and light source.

Historical background and artistic context

Tenmoku glaze originated from the black-glazed bowls of the Jian kiln in Fujian Province during the Song dynasty, and was introduced to Japan by Zen monks during the Kamakura period. The phenomenon of accidental crystallization, similar to oil droplets or Yohen, is known as the "miracle of kiln change" and has established a unique value in the tea ceremony. Okada Masaru has deeply studied the mysterious quality of classical Tenmoku while adding the modern glow of indigo steel, creating a unique landscape where the old and the new blend together.

Okada Masaru believes in "elevating the randomness of earth and fire into inevitable beauty," and has gained acclaim for his high-level fusion of flame fluctuations and chemical control.

Aesthetic Intention and Spirituality

The silver sand-like oil droplets that twinkle against the darkness of the indigo steel embodi a view of the infinite universe, reminiscent of the Zen phrase "night colors endless." Meanwhile, the scarlet color of the rim suggests the "warmth of a heat haze," sealing the contrast of cold and warmth within the cup. Every time sake is poured and the cup is swirled, a nebula-like flickering light appears, and at the moment it is drunk, a faint scarlet color emerges, quietly conveying the lingering impression of a "once-in-a-lifetime encounter."

How to use and points to note

Suitable for chilled and room temperature sake : The bowl shape retains the aroma of the sake just right, bringing out the delicate aroma of ginjo sake.

Lighting effects : Daylight LED highlights the metallic blue of the steel, while incandescent light gives the oil droplets a soft silver-gray glow. Enjoy the various scenery by changing the light source.

As tea ware : The slightly raised interior is suitable for thin tea, and you can enjoy the contrast of the green tea against the black glaze.

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This sake cup, with silver-gray stardust scattered against the deep indigo steel darkness, is the culmination of the "controlled coincidence" that Okada Masaru has pursued. We hope you will hold it in the palm of your hand, savor the infinite universe woven by light and sake, and enjoy a tranquil and enriching moment at your drinking party.