Yakushiji East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Sake Cup by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 6.6cm Height: 3.9cm

Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Sake Cup - By Rakusai Onishi

1. Clay: the base that holds the foundations of the ancient tower

This piece is made with ancient soil collected during the repair of the base of the famous Yakushiji East Pagoda, which was built in the Nara period. Rich in iron and silica, this soil has held mineral crystals for 1,300 years, and even after firing, the quartz grains still glitter faintly like stardust. When you hold it in your palm, you can quietly feel the prayers of the Yamato earth and the ancient pagoda.

2. The scene of Yakishime - the mysterious beauty of the iron surface forged by the flames

By firing the piece at a high temperature of about 1250℃ without applying any glaze, the iron in the clay is repeatedly reduced and oxidized, resulting in a multi-layered appearance: 1) a dull metallic luster that changes from iron black to dark brown all over the surface, 2) fine ash becomes a natural glaze, scattering a faint light like silver sand on the surface, and 3) a faint copper-colored fire color appears around the rim, tightening the look. The charm of this piece is the tranquility of a moss-covered cornerstone covered in night dew.

3. Shape: A hand-formed round sake cup

The rim is slightly curved outwards and the body is gently bulged out to create a rounded cylindrical shape. The lower part of the body is narrowed and gathered into a low ring-shaped base, stabilizing the center of gravity and allowing it to fit comfortably in the hand. The rough surface, with traces of carving, accentuates the rustic texture and flickering flame.

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

The roughness of the outer skin provides a comfortable resistance to your fingertips, the iron surface keeps you cool when pouring cold sake, and the clay body gently stores heat when pouring hot sake. The rim is polished thinly, so it feels light on the lips and the sake runs smoothly. The capacity is about 30ml, inviting you to engage in the Zen-like behavior of carefully savoring every drop.

5. The History of Yakushiji Temple - Reflecting the Prayers of "Frozen Music"

Yakushiji Temple was founded at the request of Emperor Tenmu (around 680), and is said to have been moved to its current location around 710, the third year of the Wadou era, after the capital was moved to Heijō. Despite repeated fires and wars, the temple has been rebuilt and repaired, and the East Pagoda (completed around 730) is the only surviving tower from the Nara period, and is praised for its "frozen music." This work, which uses the foundation soil that was restored after the major repairs of the Reiwa era, is a symbol of the history of eternal prayer and rebirth reflected in the palm of your hand.

Summary

The iron-black luster with fine silver sand sparkling and the faint color of red copper flames framing it - Onishi Rakusai's "Yakishime Sake Cup Made from the Foundation Clay of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple" is a gem of a sake cup that simultaneously embraces the tranquility of wabi and the sublimity of an ancient pagoda. When you take a sip, the flames, the earth, and the sounds of a thousand years of Buddhist teachings will gently rise from the depths of the cup, inviting you to a quiet 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]