Tenmoku glaze sake cup by Okada Yu

Width: 7.0cm 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 Uji Sumiyama, Kyoto. Its relatively low cylindrical shape is accented by the ridges at the bottom of the body, creating a rhythm in the quiet darkness. Tiny iron crystals are scattered like silver sand in the indigo-black glaze, and depending on the light, they shimmer in shades of blue-purple and dull gold, evoking a landscape reminiscent of nebulae in the night sky. The rim is tinged with a faint scarlet, evoking a touch of warmth in the cold of space.

Glaze and Technique

Trace amounts of cobalt oxide and manganese oxide are used in combination with iron feldspar-based Tenmoku glaze to give the black glaze a deep blue-steel color and a purple-gray luster.

Fluctuation firing : After the black color is fixed by the first reduction, Okada's unique method of alternating between reduction and weak oxidation causes oil-drop-shaped iron crystals to precipitate stably on the surface.

Scarlet glazing : The amount of oxygen is increased slightly towards the end of the process, causing the iron around the rim to oxidize, forming a thin purple-brown film. The contrast with the black glaze softens and accentuates the contours of the vessel.

Glaze surface : Satin-like semi-gloss. From a distance it looks matte, but in close-up it has a metallic sheen, allowing you to enjoy the multi-layered texture.

Historical and cultural background

Tenmoku glaze has its roots in the black-glazed bowls of the Jian kilns in Fujian Province during the Song dynasty, and is said to have been introduced to Japan by Zen monks during the Kamakura period. Vessels with accidental crystallization such as oil droplets and Yohen patterns are highly prized as the "wonder of kiln change" and highly admired in the world of tea ceremony. The ridged technique is a simple decoration that is also found in Joseon dynasty Kohiki and Hagi ware, and is a Japanese arrangement that highlights the contrast between the base and the glaze. The highlight of this piece is the fusion of these two traditions, sublimated into a modern indigo-steel color.

Okada Masaru believes in "transforming the randomness of earth and fire into necessity," and has earned high praise for his works that combine the flickering of flame with sophisticated chemical control.

Aesthetic Intention and Spirituality

The vertical rhythm of the ridges visualizes the Zen breathing technique "Chosoku," while the oil droplets scattered in the indigo-colored darkness suggest the infinity of "Yoroshiku Mujin." With each tilt of the sake cup, light crosses the ridges, the liquid surface shimmers like a nebula, and at the moment of sipping, the scarlet rim appears faintly, quietly speaking of the lingering aftertaste of "a once-in-a-lifetime encounter."

How to use and points to note

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

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

Pleasure in the hand : The raised part of the ridge provides a natural grip for the fingers, making it non-slip and giving a sense of security.

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