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

The Landscape of Tenmoku Created by Fire

This Tenmoku matcha bowl features a beautiful deep, lustrous color and a complex landscape created by the glaze.

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

Historic Tenmoku Tea Bowls from China

The origin of Tenmoku tea bowls can be traced back to black-glazed tea bowls fired in China during the Song dynasty. During the widespread practice of whisked tea (tensha) at the time, black tea bowls that beautifully highlighted the white foam of the tea were highly prized and were brought to Japan by Zen monks and others.

The deep color of the glaze and the neat, refined appearance complement modern matcha well. This matcha bowl is not only a tool for whisking matcha, but also a piece that makes you want to enjoy gazing at the landscape created by the glaze itself.

Toichi Oketani, a Potter Who Pursued Tenmoku

Toichi Oketani II was born in the pottery region of Higashiyama, Kyoto. He learned pottery from Toichi Oketani I, who excelled in Tenmoku glaze, inheriting his skills while also pursuing the expression of Tenmoku for many years himself.

With Tenmoku, slight differences in firing conditions can significantly alter the glaze's tone and pattern. The great appeal of Toichi Oketani's work lies in his ability to face these unpredictable kiln changes and draw out beautiful landscapes within each bowl.

No two Tenmoku tea bowls have the same expression; each has different colors and glaze landscapes. This bowl allows you to enjoy the profound world of glazes, a testament to a master craftsman who has dedicated many years to Tenmoku.

A comment from the owner

This Tenmoku matcha bowl is by Toichi Oketani, a master craftsman of Tenmoku tea bowls.

While it is a highly accomplished piece with beautiful patterns and deep colors, a glaze pool formed on the exterior, making it a unique item with a different character from typical works.

This piece is recommended for those who appreciate a glaze pool as part of the landscape and can enjoy its individuality. It is a special bowl that allows you to savor the beauty of Tenmoku glaze, characteristic of the master craftsman Toichi Oketani.