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Through constant experimentation, Koji Kamada has elevated
tenmoku, a technique originating in China during the Song dynasty, to an even higher level of refinement with
the introduction of several signature glazes, each one adding another
facet to the incredible diversity of his artistry.
Yohen shikou is the proud
new member to Mr. Kamada's glazing repertoire.
It debuted in January at his annual Kyoto Takashimaya Department Store
exhibition and was
well received by the public. One particular yohen shikou tea ceremony bowl (view
here) attracted quite a lot of excited admiration with its celestial aura and
soon became the coincidental centerpiece for the showing. Since
that time, it has taken several months of trial and error before the same brilliant yohen
effects and trademark purple (shikou) halo could be rendered on pots
with more consistency, and the results of Mr. Kamada's tireless
efforts are now proudly on display here.
This guinomi (sake cup) is also done in yohen shikou.
Heat within the kiln served as the catalyst for a complex reaction
between wood ash, iron oxide and the minerals in the clay body.
The results are transcendent. Like a veiny moth's wing in the
sunlight, it radiates blended hues of gold and bronze, and the purple
ring on the interior speaks of the heavenly associations held in its
inscription. Read literally, the characters for tenmoku mean
"heaven's eye."
A guinomi that promises a contemplative moment before every
sip.
To view Koji Kamada's entire 2007 Kyoto
Takashimaya exhibition, click here.
special care instructions
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