Matcha Bowl - Tenmoku “Glaze Pool” 4C by Teiichi Oketani

Tenmoku Scenery Created by Fire

A beautiful Tenmoku matcha bowl with deep, lustrous colors and complex "scenery" created by the glaze.

Tenmoku glaze uses a glaze rich in iron, creating various expressions depending on the firing temperature, the flame, and the conditions inside the kiln. The scenery, where the glaze flows, mixes, and appears as crystals and mottled patterns, is unique to each bowl. You can enjoy the beauty created by the glaze and fire, which cannot be completely controlled by human hands.

Historical Tenmoku Chawan, Transmitted from China

The origin of Tenmoku chawan lies in the black-glazed tea bowls fired in China during the Song dynasty. During that period, powdered tea became popular, and black tea bowls that beautifully highlighted the white tea foam were highly valued. They were introduced to Japan through Zen monks and others.

The deep colored glaze and refined, neat appearance complement modern matcha well. This matcha bowl is not only a tool for preparing matcha but also a piece where you'll want to enjoy gazing at the scenery created by the glaze itself.

Teiichi Okutani, a Ceramic Artist who Pursued Tenmoku

Teiichi Okutani II was born in the pottery region of Higashiyama, Kyoto. He learned pottery from his father, Teiichi I, who excelled in Tenmoku glaze, inheriting his techniques while also dedicating many years to pursuing his own expression of Tenmoku.

In Tenmoku, the glaze and patterns change significantly with only slight differences in firing conditions. The great appeal of Teiichi Okutani's work lies in confronting these unpredictable kiln changes and bringing forth beautiful scenery within each bowl.

No two Tenmoku chawan have the same expression; each possesses different colors and glaze scenery. This is a bowl where you can enjoy the profound world of glazes, characteristic of a master craftsman who has dedicated many years to Tenmoku.

A note from our owner

This is a Tenmoku matcha bowl by Teiichi Okutani, a master craftsman of Tenmoku chawan.

It is a highly accomplished piece with beautiful patterns and deep colors, but due to glaze pooling on the exterior, it possesses a unique character different from typical works.

This piece is recommended for those who appreciate glaze pooling as part of the scenery and can enjoy its individuality. It is a special bowl where you can experience the beauty of Tenmoku glaze, unique to the master craftsman Teiichi Okutani.