Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Clay Iron Bowl Sake Cup By Rakusai Onishi

Width: 7.4cm Height: 3.4cm

Iron bowl and sake cup made from the foundation soil of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple - By Rakusai Onishi

1. Clay: Ancient soil that holds 1,300 years of prayer

Ancient soil obtained during the repair of the base of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple in Nara was mixed with Shigaraki-style rough soil. Because it contains a lot of iron and silica, the quartz grains in the clay sparkle like stardust even after reduction firing, and when you hold it in your palm, you can feel the weight of the "Yamato earth" directly.

2. Iron Bowl Shape: A Refined Form Replica of a Monk's Serving Bowl

The shape of the cup is modeled after the iron bowls used by monks when begging for money, with a rounded body and a slightly inward-drawn rim. Zen simplicity and a warm sense of volume coexist, and when sake is poured into the cup, it seems to breathe quietly.

3. Iron-gray glaze and kiln transformation: A dull glow in the deep green moss landscape

Iron is added to an ash glaze made mainly from straw ash and reduced at high heat.

The entire surface is a gradation of moss blue to brownish brown.

The iron on the rim gives it a copper-red color, tightening the outline.

At the bottom of the interior, a pool of glaze has crystallized into a pale milky white, reflecting light like droplets of water. The accidental scenery created by the flames is reminiscent of the moss covering the old tower and the rain marks on the cobblestones.

4. Money and the Taste of Sake: The Function of Tableware to Experience "Wabi"

The fine sandy texture of the outside feels pleasant on the fingertips, the milky white glaze cools you down when you pour cold sake, and the clay gently retains the heat when you pour hot sake. The rim is made thin, so it feels light on the lips and does not spoil the finish of the sake.

5. Cultural significance: Symbol of "measurement" and "rebirth"

A monk's iron bowl is a tool that represents "the bare minimum = knowing what is enough." This work also combines the clay that holds the prayers of the ancient pagoda with the simple shape of the iron bowl, indicating "a state of abundance in a small amount." A single drop poured into the small cup quietly connects the light of the thousand-year-old law with the modern drinking party.

Summary <br data-end="757" data-start="754">With its moss-green iron-ash glaze, moon-white glaze pool, and red copper rim, Onishi Rakusai's "Iron Bowl Sake Cup Made from Clay from the Foundation of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple" is an exquisite sake cup that embodies the tranquility of an ancient pagoda and the simplicity of Zen in the palm of your hand. With one sip, the lingering aroma of earth, fire, and prayer gently rises from the depths of the cup.

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]