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Tenmoku holds an honored position
in the history and development of tea ceremony in Japan. Tenmoku bowls
were first introduced in the 13th century by Buddhist monks returning
from their studies in China. They were highly regarded among the
Ashikaga shogun, warriors as well as avid tea practitioners, who used them extensively in the then-evolving art of
cha-no-yu, or Japanese tea ceremony.
Through constant experimentation, Koji Kamada has elevated this
ancient Chinese technique 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 tenmoku artistry.
Yohen shikou is the newest member to his glazing repertoire.
It debuted in 2007 at his annual Kyoto Takashimaya exhibition and was met by the public with excited admiration. It
took several subsequent months of trial and error before the same brilliant yohen
effects and trademark purple (shikou) hues could be rendered on bowls
with more consistency, and the results of Mr. Kamada's tireless
efforts are now proudly on display here.
This tea ceremony bowl (chawan) is also done in yohen shikou.
Heat within the kiln serves as the catalyst for a complex reaction
between wood ash, iron oxide and the minerals in the clay body.
The results are transcendent. Like the veiny wing of some exotic
butterfly in the
sunlight, it radiates blended hues of bronze and purple with hints of blue
revealed only at certain angles. When filled with whipped matcha green tea, the harmonious
colors are a sight to behold.
The body is perfectly balanced and formed to precision in the
classical tenmoku bowl shape - denoted by its wide brim, slightly
everted lip and small footring.
It is a treasure for any collector with an interest in cha-no-yu.
See Koji Kamada's
40th Year Commemorative Exhibition for more works from his 2008 collection.
A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by
the artist. Delivery time for this item is 2 weeks.
A fukusa (display cloth) is included.
special care instructions
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