Tenmoku glaze sake cup by Okada Yu

Width: 8.7cm Height: 5.0cm

Tenmoku glaze sake cup

-- Created by Masaru Okada --

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Work summary

This is a Tenmoku-glazed sake cup made by Okada Masaru, who has a kiln in Uji-tanzan, Kyoto. The neat bowl shape is covered with a Tenmoku glaze of blue steel with a faint purple-gray hue, and the surface is dotted with silver sand-like oil crystals like frost. The rim is slightly stained scarlet, quietly suggesting a warmth that dwells in the darkness.

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Glaze and firing techniques

Trace amounts of cobalt oxide and manganese oxide are mixed into the iron feldspar-based Tenmoku glaze to create a blue-and-white 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-droplet-shaped iron crystals are uniformly precipitated on the surface.

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

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

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Historical and artistic context

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

Okada Masaru's philosophy is to "elevate the randomness of earth and fire into inevitable beauty," and he has gained acclaim for his high-level fusion of flame flickering and chemical control.

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Aesthetic intent and spirituality

The silver sand-like oil droplets that twinkle in the darkness of the indigo steel encapsulate the view of the infinite universe, which is 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 between cold and warm in the cup. Every time sake is poured and the cup is turned, a nebula-like flickering light appears, and at the moment it is drunk, the faint scarlet color emerges, quietly speaking to the lingering aftertaste of "a once-in-a-lifetime encounter."

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How to use and points to note

Suitable for chilled and room temperature sake : The bowl shape retains the aroma of the sake to an appropriate degree, bringing out the delicate aroma of ginjo sake.

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

As tea pottery : The slightly raised interior shape is also suitable for light 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 in the deep blue steel darkness, is the crystallization of the "controlled coincidence" that Okada Masaru has been pursuing. We hope you will hold it in your palm, savor the infinite universe woven by light and sake, and enjoy a tranquil and rich moment at a drinking party.