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

Width: 7.5cm Height: 4.4cm

Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Sake Cup - Byari Rakusai

1. Clay: This is the base material that reflects the foundation stones of the East Pagoda.

This piece is made from a mixture of foundation soil taken from around the central stone of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple in Nara, when it was dismantled for the major repairs in the Reiwa era. This ancient soil, which contains a lot of iron and silica, has been weathered for 1,300 years and has mineral crystals inside it. Even after firing, the quartz grains sparkle like stardust. When you hold it in your palm, you can feel the breath of the Yamato earth and the prayers of the ancient pagoda.

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

By firing the pot without glazing at a strong reduction temperature of about 1250℃, the iron in the clay has taken on a unique purple metallic luster. Natural ash has melted thinly onto the rim, forming a gold-colored glass film. The outside has a rough texture, while the inside is somewhat smooth, and the mysterious scenery changes depending on the angle of the light, from ultramarine to black ink to purple iron, creating a charming effect.

3. Shape: Lightweight proportions reminiscent of a trumpet shape

The rim is slightly curved outwards and the body is gently tapered to create a trumpet shape that allows the sake's aroma to come out richly. The low ring-shaped base stabilizes the center of gravity and makes it easy to hold. The wheel marks on the outside of the body create a simple rhythm and emphasize the texture of the yakishime surface.

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

The minute unevenness of the outer skin provides a comfortable resistance to your fingertips, and when cold sake is poured into it, the purple iron color becomes even more vivid, and when hot sake is poured into it, the clay body gradually stores heat and keeps the temperature gentle. The thinly sharpened 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 - The prayer of "Frozen Music" is reflected on the palm of your hand

Yakushiji Temple was founded at the request of Emperor Tenmu (around 680) and moved to its current location around 710, making it one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. The East Pagoda was completed around 720, and is the only Nara period pagoda that has retained its original appearance. This work, which uses the foundation soil from the pagoda that was restored in the major repairs of the Reiwa era despite having survived several wars and fires, serves as a symbol of the history of eternal prayer and rebirth that is brought to the drinking party.

Summary

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

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]