White glaze ridgeline sake cup
- Created by Masaru Okada -
Work summary
This white-glazed sake cup was created by Okada Masaru, who has a kiln in Uji Sumiyama, Kyoto. The sides of the nearly cylindrical, neat vessel feature evenly spaced vertical ridges (scraped lines), lending rhythmic shadows to the tranquil white porcelain surface. The form, which combines elegance with simplicity, is an ambitious work that sublimates the aesthetic sense of "ma" (space) cultivated in tea pottery into sake cups.
Glaze and Technique
White glaze composition : Made primarily from feldspar and silica with a small amount of titanium oxide added, it creates a slightly warm off-white color.
Creating ridge carvings : A thin layer of glaze is applied to the carved lines, allowing the natural color of the base material to show through slightly, creating a subtle gradation on the white porcelain surface.
Firing : By saturating the furnace with oxygen towards the end of the process, the purity of the white glaze is accentuated, creating a clear contrast with the earthenware.
Historical and cultural background
White-glazed, white porcelain sake vessels have their origins in the Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain of China and the white porcelain cups of the Joseon Dynasty, and were accepted in the Edo period as tools symbolizing tranquility at tea ceremonies. The technique of adding ridges and carved lines to the sides is a decorative technique also seen in Joseon Kohiki and Hagi ware, and is a Japanese arrangement that brings out the rustic earthiness while also creating expressions of light and shadow. Okada Masaru has combined this traditional technique with modern minimalism to create new expressions that carve rhythm into the white space.
Aesthetic Intention and Spirituality
The tense, straight ridges suggest the passage of time, while the white glaze's white space symbolizes infinite space. When sake is poured, the lines are reflected on the surface of the liquid, and as the drink progresses, the shadow wavers and disappears - each moment allows you to experience the feeling of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
How to use and points to note
Suitable for chilled and room temperature sake : The cylindrical shape traps the aroma just right, bringing out the delicate aroma of ginjo sake.
Changes in light source : Natural light creates soft shadows, while spotlights highlight the ridges sharply, creating a sculptural appearance on the white porcelain surface.
Versatile : They can also be used as delicacies or small dessert cups, adding a clean and rhythmic touch to your dining table.
Sharp ridges create a rhythm in a quiet white world—this sake cup embodies the "tension of white space" and "refined simplicity" that Okada Masaru pursues. Hold it in the palm of your hand, savor the dance of shadows created by the sake and light, and enjoy a moment of tranquil bliss.
