Matcha Bowl - Yuteki Tenmoku by Teiichi Oketani

Tenmoku Glaze: A Landscape Created by Fire

This tenmoku chawan (matcha bowl) boasts deep, lustrous colors and complex patterns beautifully formed by the glaze.

Tenmoku glaze uses glazes rich in iron, and creates various expressions depending on the temperature, flame, and conditions inside the kiln during firing. The flowing, mixing glazes form crystals and patterns, making each bowl unique. You can enjoy the beauty created by the glaze and fire, which cannot be entirely controlled by human hands.

Tenmoku Chawan: A Historic Lineage from China

The origin of tenmoku chawan lies in the black-glazed bowls fired in China during the Song Dynasty. During the widespread practice of powdered tea at the time, black bowls that beautifully accentuated the white tea foam were highly valued and brought to Japan through Zen monks and others.

The deep-colored glaze and refined, austere form also perfectly complement modern matcha. This is a matcha bowl that not only serves as an implement for making matcha, but also invites you to simply admire the beauty created by the glaze itself.

Teiichi Oketani: A Ceramist Dedicated to Tenmoku

Teiichi Oketani II was born in Kyoto's Higashiyama pottery district. He learned pottery from his father, Teiichi I, who specialized in tenmoku glaze, and inherited his skills while also pursuing the expression of tenmoku for many years.

With tenmoku, slight differences in firing conditions can greatly alter the glaze's appearance and patterns. The great appeal of Teiichi Oketani's work lies in confronting these unpredictable kiln changes and bringing forth beautiful landscapes within each bowl.

No two tenmoku chawan are exactly alike, each possessing different colors and glaze patterns. This is a bowl where you can enjoy the profound world of glazes, born from the hands of a master who has dedicated many years to tenmoku.

A comment from our owner

This is a tenmoku matcha bowl by the master artisan, Teiichi Oketani.

It is a highly finished piece featuring beautiful patterns and deep, rich colors. This is a special bowl that allows you to experience the beauty of tenmoku glaze, characteristic of the master Teiichi Oketani.