Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Sake Cup by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 7.5cm Height: 4.4cm

Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda base clay, Yakishime sake cup - By Rakusai Onishi

1. Clay - the base that reflects the foundation stone of the East Pagoda

This piece is made from a blend of clay collected from around the central stone of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple in Nara, when it was dismantled during the major renovations of the Reiwa era. This ancient clay, rich in iron and silica, has been weathered for 1,300 years and has developed mineral crystals. Even after firing, the quartz grains sparkle like stardust. When you hold it in your hand, you can faintly feel the breath of the Yamato earth and the prayers of the ancient pagoda.

2. The scenery of Yakishime - the beauty of the flames flickering in the purple iron color

The unglazed pot was fired at approximately 1250°C under strong reduction, giving the iron in the clay a distinctive purple metallic luster. Natural ash has melted thinly onto the rim, creating a mossy gold glassy coating. The exterior has a rough, coarse texture, while the interior is somewhat smooth. Depending on the angle of the light, the pot's mysterious beauty changes, revealing ultramarine, inky black, and purple iron.

3. Shape: Lightweight proportions reminiscent of a trumpet shape

The slightly curved rim and gently tapered body create a trumpet-shaped design that allows the sake's aroma to emerge richly. The low, ring-shaped base stabilizes the center of gravity, making it easy to hold. The wheel marks on the outside of the body create a simple rhythm and highlight the texture of the yakishime surface.

4. Functional beauty - a comfortable feel that enhances the taste of sake

The finely textured outer surface provides a comfortable resistance to your fingertips, and when cold sake is poured into the cup, the purple iron color becomes even more vibrant, and when hot sake is poured into the cup, the clay body gradually stores heat and maintains a gentle temperature.The thinly ground rim is soft on the lips and allows the sake to flow smoothly without compromising the delicate aroma of ginjo sake.

5. History of Yakushiji Temple - Reflecting the prayer of "Frozen Music" on the palm of your hand

Yakushiji Temple is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, founded at the request of Emperor Tenmu (around 680) and moved to its current location around 710 (the third year of the Wadō era). The East Pagoda was completed around 720 (the fourth year of the Yoro era), and is the only Nara-period pagoda that retains its original appearance, earning it the nickname "frozen music." This work, which uses the soil from the same base that was restored during the major Reiwa restoration after surviving several wars and fires, serves as a symbol of the eternal history of prayer and rebirth that is brought to the banquet.

Summary

With its shining purple iron surface, natural moss-gold glaze, and the thousand-year-old prayer that resides in the clay of the base of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple, Onishi Rakusai's Yakishime Sake Cup is a gem of a sake cup that simultaneously embraces the tranquility of wabi and a noble history. When you take a sip, the sounds of flame, clay, and the ancient pagoda will gently rise from the depths of the cup, inviting you to a deep, lingering aftertaste.

This piece is made using 100% clay from the Yakushiji Temple grounds, with all impurities thoroughly removed, and is characterized by its clear beauty. The clay has aged over time and is homogeneous, and when fired it acquires a clear luster, and when fired it takes on a gentle color reminiscent of old roofing tiles. Its smooth texture and resistance to warping are also appealing. The story of the clay, which embodies 1,300 years of history, brings a sense of peace every time you hold it in your hands. This is a special piece that combines material, beauty, and spirituality.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi