Kuro Yōhen Tenmoku Cup

Tea cup with bronze and black oil-drop glaze from the Tōan Kiln. The teacups have a glossy surface, with a predominantly deep black glaze across the inner bottom.

Tenmoku, or oil-drop glaze, is an extremely demanding ceramic technique that requires exceptional skill and experience from the potter. The final result is highly unpredictable, as subtle changes in temperature, atmosphere, and flame within the kiln can dramatically affect the glaze pattern. Achieving a successful piece therefore requires repeated experimentation and careful control of the firing process. Because of this difficulty and the rarity of perfect results, Tenmoku wares are highly prized and deeply respected in the world of ceramics.

On our four available Kuro Yōhen Tenmoku cups the oil-drop glaze pattern varies slightly. You may choose between A, B, C, and D. (Please refer to the photos.) The measurements of the tea cups are identical.

Each cup comes in a paulownia box signed by the artist.

Tōan Kiln
Tōan Kiln is a prestigious ceramic studio in Kyoto lead by the fourth-generation head, Yoshiaki Dōbuchi. The kiln pursues the exploration of “the beauty of form as an object” through both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic practice. Their work gained particular recognition after successfully reproducing the rare Yōhen Tenmoku pattern in 2018, a technical and aesthetic achievement that has since been collected by institutions such as Miho Museum.

Tenmoku glaze got its name from a remote Chinese temple it was first used, on the Tianmu (Tenmoku in Japanese and Heaven's Eye in English) Mountain. From the 13th century, monks in this temple drank their tea from tea bowls glazed with a special technique called yuteki (literally meaning “oil drop”). Tenmoku glazes can range in color and pattern, which makes every glazed piece unique with the impression of randomness, which has both aesthetic and philosophical appeal.

Kyo or Kiyomizu pottery looks back on 400 years of history and is now a symbol of Kyoto. To serve the desire of Aristocrats, tea masters, and culinary specialists of the era, Kyo or Kiyomizu pottery has incorporated design and artistry not only from Japan but also from China and the Korean Peninsula. Even up to now exquisite artistry and excellent craftsmanship are the core qualities of Kyo ware: each piece is modeled and decorated carefully by hand.

Place of Origin: Kyoto, Japan

☆ WE GUARANTEE SAFE DELIVERY - if the product gets damaged in transit we will replace or make a refund.

☆ HANDMADE PRODUCT

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