Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Soil Hagi Nagashi Sake Sake Sake by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 5.8cm Height: 5.9cm

Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Soil Hagi Nagashi Sake Cup - Byari Rakusai

1. Clay: The foundation soil of the East Pagoda is still alive

This piece is made with ancient soil collected during major repairs to the base of the famous Yakushiji East Pagoda, which was built in the Nara period. Rich in iron and silica, this soil holds minute mineral crystals after 1,300 years of weathering, and even after firing, the quartz grains shine like stardust. Just by holding it in your palm, you can feel the gentle spirit of the Yamato earth and the prayers of the ancient pagoda.

2. Hagi Nagashi Glaze - A landscape of milky blue and dark brown

A thick layer of pale milky blue Hagi glaze is applied from the rim to the top of the body, and the kiln firing process has produced a misty crystalline pattern. Where the glaze ends, the copper-containing iron glaze turns dark brown-black, revealing iron specks that look like gold dust sprinkled on the surface. It is a mysterious scene reminiscent of Hagiwara in early spring, with the mountainside peeking out from between the clouds.

3. Shape: The trumpet shape enhances the fragrance

The slightly outward-curving trumpet shape allows the aroma of sake to rise softly. The narrowed lower body and low ring-shaped base stabilize the center of gravity and make the cup easier to hold. The overall proportions are elegant and light, and you can enjoy the comfortable temperature changes in your hand, whether you are drinking chilled sake or slightly warm sake.

4. Functional beauty: A comfortable feel that enhances the taste of sake

The Hagi glaze on the inside melts into a glassy substance, and when sake is poured into it, the milky blue color takes on a transparent appearance, reflecting the cool light. The rim that touches the lips is polished thinly, so the sake flows smoothly and the delicate aroma of ginjo is not lost. Another practical feature is that the iron glaze band on the bottom remains slightly, making it less susceptible to the buildup of tartar.

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 moved to its current location around Wadou 3 (710). It flourished as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara and has been rebuilt and repaired many times, overcoming repeated fires and wars. The East Pagoda is said to have been completed around 720 (4th year of the Yoro era), and is an elegant three-story pagoda known as "frozen music." This work, which uses the soil from its core foundation that was restored during the major Reiwa repairs, symbolizes the bringing of a thousand years of prayer and history of rebirth to the drinking party.

Summary

The milky blue Hagi glaze flows down, depicting the mist of early spring, and the iron spots tell of the breath of the earth - Onishi Rakusai's "Yakushiji East Pagoda Foundation Clay Hagi Nagashi Sake Cup" is a gem of a sake vessel that embodies wabi, elegance, and eternal prayer in the palm of your hand. When you take a sip, the story of the fire, the earth, and the ancient pagoda will quietly emerge, leaving a deep aftertaste in your heart.

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]