Vase -Tenmoku by Hiroshi Oketani

Tenmoku — A Miracle Born of Flame

A Rare Masterpiece Dedicated to Kyoto Pottery

This handmade ceramic piece was created by the late Kyoto-based potter Teiichi Oketani (second generation), an artist who devoted his life to the art of Tenmoku.

Throughout his career, he pursued the beauty of Tenmoku glazes with unwavering passion, elevating them within the world of traditional Japanese tea ceramics.

Born in Kyoto in 1935, Oketani inherited his father’s kiln and carried on the techniques of Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware, later succeeding to the name of second-generation Teiichi.

Despite changing times, he remained steadfast in his beliefs as a ceramic artist, creating works that continue to be cherished by collectors today.

Tenmoku is a traditional ceramic technique originating in ancient China, in which mineral-rich glazes transform during firing to create deep, complex patterns.

Achieving these effects requires extremely precise control of temperature and oxygen levels, making Tenmoku one of the most technically demanding glaze techniques in ceramic art.

Because the kiln environment is inherently unpredictable, no two pieces ever turn out the same. Each work is truly one of a kind—an unrepeatable result of fire, glaze, and chance.

Owner’s Comment

This is a Tenmoku work by Teiichi Oketani, a ceramic artist who devoted his entire life to the creation of Tenmoku and tea ceramics.

No two pieces can ever be the same—if one speaks to you, we encourage you not to miss the opportunity.