Yakushiji East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Teacup by Rakusai Onishi

Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Teacup - Byari Rakusai

1. Clay: Feel the foundations of the ancient tower in your palm

This piece is made with ancient soil collected during major repairs to the base of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple in Nara. Rich in iron and silica, this soil has contained mineral crystals over the ages of 1,300 years, and even after firing, the quartz grains sparkle like stardust. When you hold it in your palm, you can quietly feel the prayers of the land of Yamato and the ancient pagoda.

2. Yakishime scenery - the highlight is the iron surface tempered by the flames

By firing it at about 1250℃ without applying any glaze, the iron in the clay is repeatedly reduced and oxidized, resulting in a multi-layered look: 1) the entire surface has a metallic luster that changes from iron black to dark brown, 2) the ash that fell on the top of the body becomes a natural glaze, causing the moss blue to bleed, and 3) fine silver dots are scattered and shine like night dew wetting the cornerstone. It is as if the look of the moss-covered base of the tower was reproduced exactly.

3. Shape: The rhythm of layering created by the wheel marks

The rim is slightly curved outwards and the body is straight and tubular, but five wheel marks carved into the middle create a rhythm reminiscent of the stratification of the foundation stone. The base is slightly narrowed to create a low, ring-shaped footing, which increases the sense of stability both visually and in the hand.

4. Functional beauty - simplicity that brings out the best in tea and sake

The roughness of the outer skin feels pleasant on the fingertips, the clay gently stores heat when hot green tea or roasted green tea is poured into it, and the iron surface gently maintains the temperature of the sake when cold sake is poured into it. The thinly sharpened rim feels light on the lips, delivering the aroma and flavor in a clean manner.

5. The history of Yakushiji Temple - Reflecting the "frozen music" that has been rebuilt many times

Yakushiji Temple was founded at the request of Emperor Tenmu (around 680) and is said to have been moved to its current location during the Wadou era, shortly after the capital was moved to Heijo. The East Pagoda (completed around 730) is the only Nara period pagoda that still retains its original appearance, and boasts an elegance described as "frozen music." Having survived numerous wars and fires and undergoing major repairs in the Reiwa era, this symbol of prayer has been given new life as the clay for this work.

Summary

The natural moss-green glaze blends into the luster of the iron black, and the wheel marks evoke the stone layers of the ancient pagoda. The Yakushiji East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Teacup by Onishi Rakusai is a gem of a piece that harbors both wabi and sublime in the palm of your hand. As you sip a cup of tea or a cup of sake, the story of prayer and rebirth over the past thousand years will gently embrace you.

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]