Vase -Tenmoku B 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 devoted to the art of Tenmoku.

Throughout his life, he pursued the creation of Tenmoku with unwavering passion, refining the artistic expression of traditional Japanese tea ceramics.

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

Even as times changed, he remained true to his beliefs as a ceramic artist, producing 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, expressive 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 are ever the same. Each work is a truly one-of-a-kind 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 traditional tea ceramics.

As no two pieces can ever be the same, we encourage you not to miss it if this one resonates with you.