Yakushiji East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Teacup by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 7.0cm Height: 8.3cm

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

1. Clay - housing the Yamato earth and 1,300 years of prayers

This piece is made with ancient soil collected during the repair of the base of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple, which was built in the Nara period. Rich in iron and silica, this soil has developed fine mineral crystals over the years, and even after firing, the quartz grains sparkle like stardust. The moment you place it in your palm, you can feel the weight of the ancient pagoda and the gentle breath of the Yamato earth.

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

By firing the piece without any glaze at a high temperature of about 1250℃, the iron in the clay is repeatedly oxidized and reduced, giving the whole piece a metallic luster that changes from iron black to dark brown. The rim is slightly bordered in reddish copper color. Fine ash becomes a natural glaze and scatters silver spots. A tranquil scene emerges. The texture is reminiscent of a moss-covered cornerstone shining with night dew.

3. Shape: A neat cylindrical shape that mirrors the iron bowl worn by a monk

The slightly curved rim and nearly vertical cylindrical shape are reminiscent of an iron bowl used for begging. The wheel marks around the body create a faint rhythm, and the low ring-shaped base stabilizes the center of gravity. The rough texture feels pleasant against the palm of your hand, and the piece exudes a simple yet refined presence.

4. The taste of sake and functional beauty - a tableware that allows you to experience the "wabi"

The rough outer surface of the cup provides just the right amount of friction to your fingertips, and when cold sake is poured into the cup, the iron surface keeps it cool, while when hot sake is poured into the cup, the earthy flavor gently stores heat. The thin rim of the cup feels light on the lips and does not impair the smoothness of the sake. The cup's small capacity encourages the Zen-like behavior of concentrating on the taste of each sip.

5. Cultural significance: Reflecting "innocence" and "rebirth" in the palm of your hand

The East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple was begun at the request of Emperor Tenmu (around 680), and is said to have been completed at its current location in 718 after the capital was moved to Heijo. It flourished as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, and has protected the flame of Buddhism despite repeated wars and fires. In particular, the East Pagoda (completed in 730) is an elegant three-story pagoda known as "Frozen Music," and is registered as a World Heritage Site.

This piece, made from the foundation clay that supports the central pillar, expresses the 1,300-year history of prayer and rebirth through the "solid" technique of unglazed firing. In the moment when you fill the sake cup with sake and bring it to your sip, the prayers of the past, present, and future quietly intersect, creating a deep aftertaste.

Summary

With its silver dots hidden in the black iron luster, its copper-colored rim, and the eternal time that speaks to the clay of the foundation of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple, Onishi Rakusai's Yakishime Sake Cup is a gem of a sake vessel that holds both wabi and sublime in the palm of your hand. With one sip, the flames, the earth, and the sounds of the ancient pagoda rise softly from the depths of the cup, spreading a quiet emotion.

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]