SAMURAI Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl by Kotaro Ikura

Width: 11.0cm Height: 8.3cm

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl" by ceramic artist Kotaro Ikura is a matcha bowl characterized by the deep, beautiful red color of cinnabar. This piece features thick layers of cinnabar glaze, creating a rich expression and an overwhelming presence. This tea bowl, which combines the culture of Yagyu with Ikura's techniques, is a masterpiece that will add color to any tea ceremony.

The History and Mysterious Color of Cinnabar

Cinnabar, named for its unique red hue and cultural background, is a mineral that has influenced many cultures since ancient times as a mystical entity. The name comes from the Chinese word "cinnabar" (chin shā), with "chen" meaning star and "sand" meaning powdered form. Cinnabar was also known as "dragon's blood," and its vibrant red color symbolized mystical powers in ancient China, and was highly prized by emperors and aristocrats for its longevity and protection from evil. In the West, known as "cinnabar," it has been used as a pigment and decorative material since ancient Roman times, and its vermilion color has been highly valued. This color has continued to have powerful symbolic meaning in many cultures from ancient times to the present day.

Thick cinnabar glaze adds depth

This tea bowl is characterized by the cinnabar glaze that was carefully applied in layers by Kotaro Ikura. The thickly applied cinnabar changes color subtly depending on the angle from which it is viewed, giving the bowl an almost lifelike texture. The lustrous red color takes on a deep depth, giving the entire bowl a mysterious yet powerful impression.

Presence as tea pottery

This cinnabar tea bowl exerts a powerful presence at a tea ceremony. While the red cinnabar creates a visual impact, its color harmonizes with the Japanese space and ritual of the tea ceremony, maintaining elegance and dignity. It is also highly practical as a tea bowl, with a shape that fits comfortably in the hand and a finish that is pleasant to the touch, providing a sense of satisfaction when used in an actual tea ceremony.

Carrying on the tradition of Yagyu ware

Yagyu ware is pottery that has been passed down in the mountain village of Yagyu, the land of the sword saint in Nara, and its roots date back to when Yagyu Jubei's grandmother, Harumomo Gozen, fired a horse-headed Kannon statue. This tradition was once discontinued, but Ikura Kotaro, the fourth generation of the family, continues to produce pottery and protect the name of Yagyu ware. This "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl" also has the unique beauty born from the land and traditions of Yagyu, and adds new value to the tea ceremony.

The charm of vibrant cinnabar

This "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl" by Kotaro Ikura captivates the viewer with its vibrant red color, unique to cinnabar, and its cultural background and mysticism further enhance its value. This tea bowl, a wonderful fusion of tradition and innovation, is not only a beautiful addition to any tea ceremony, but also a captivating piece of ornamental beauty.

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl by Ikura Kotaro" is a masterpiece that brings a new charm to the modern tea ceremony with the deep red color of cinnabar, which has been said to have mystical powers since ancient times. For those who love the tea ceremony, this tea bowl will become a special possession and provide a rich experience.