Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Soil, Heartstone Incense Holder, Byani Rakusai

Width: 5.8cm x 6.3cm Height: 4.5cm

Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Soil Heartstone Incense Holder - Byari Rakusai

This incense holder, created by Onishi Rakusai, is made by mixing the foundation soil from the central foundation stone of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple, a famous tower built in the Nara period, with the clay, and then layering ash and iron glazes to evoke the effects of kiln transformation. The word "central foundation stone," which supports the central pillar of the East Pagoda, has traditionally meant "the central pillar of a temple = the center of prayer," and this piece also serves as a symbol of quiet prayer in the tea room. Below, we will introduce its appeal in detail from five perspectives.

1. Clay - Ancient soil that holds 1,300 years of prayer

The ancient clay collected from around the central stone of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple has undergone recrystallization of iron and silica over the years, and even after firing, stardust-like quartz grains still flicker. By combining it with rough Shigaraki clay, the clay is given a unique reddish brown color and rough texture, giving the clay a sense of the "Earth of Yamato" the moment you pick it up.

2. Glaze and kiln changes - Moonlight scenery floating on deep moss green

The body is covered in a composite glaze made of straw ash with a small amount of iron added, and fired at a high temperature with reduction to create a three-layered look: 1) the whole piece is a deep moss blue, 2) the area near the rim is strongly reduced to create a copper-colored border, and 3) milky white glaze pools appear in droplets at the corners. The tranquil colors evoke the image of a temple at night with moonlight shining through the moss-covered foundation stones.

3. Beauty of Form - Square shapes and soft distortions that reflect the foundation stone

Yoho-zukuri (four-sided construction) : Taking into account the angular shape of the temple's foundation stones, the sides are slightly bulged to create a curved surface that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

The lid and body are machined together as a single unit : The joint is made with high precision, and when turned lightly it closes as if “sucking in air,” providing airtightness.

Exposed bottom : There is no footing, and the bottom is cut away, exposing the reddish-brown color of the old soil, creating a striking contrast with the glaze.

4. Functional beauty - Prayer tools for the tea ceremony

This piece is perfect for storing aromatic wood and incense when preparing charcoal, as well as for moon-viewing ceremonies and Shuni-e ceremonies, where prayer and calm are the main themes. The stability it feels in your hand and the subtle sound it makes when opening and closing the lid bring a pure tension to the tea room.

5. Cultural significance: A symbol of the “heart” that supports the “shinbashira”

The central stone is the stone that supports the spiritual core of the temple. The act of making an incense holder from the ancient clay obtained from this stone is like holding the light of the Dharma in the palm of your hand . When incense is lit, the smoke rises up the central pillar of the tower as a current of prayer, and guests will feel a sense of peace of mind that transcends timelessness.

Summary

The deep moss-colored glaze is stained with moon-white kiln changes, and the reddish-brown clay conveys the heartbeat of the earth - Onishi Rakusai's "Yakushiji East Pagoda Foundation Soil Shinso Incense Container" is an elegant tool that crystallizes a thousand years of prayer and the coincidence of flames. When placed at a tea ceremony, the sound of the sermon from the East Pagoda quietly fills the air along with the incense smoke, and the once-in-a-lifetime moment will undoubtedly lead to even deeper reverence.

Made from 100% clay from within the grounds of Yakushiji Temple, this piece is characterised by its clear beauty, with all impurities thoroughly removed. The clay has been around for ages and is homogeneous, and when fired it takes on a clear luster, and when fired it takes on a gentle colour like old roofing tiles. Its smooth texture and resistance to warping are also appealing. The story of the clay, which holds 1,300 years of history, gives you a sense of peace every time you pick it up. This is a special piece that combines material, beauty and spirituality.

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