|
Ken Nagai's clay creations are a skillful melding
of two artistic genres closely linked to Japan's tea culture: cast
iron wares and wood-fired pottery.
This distinctive sake decanter resembles a miniature tetsubin -
the kind of iron kettles used for brewing green tea.
Meticulously handcrafted in minute detail, it is a testament to Mr.
Nagai's exceptional forming skill. The intense heat inside the
noborigama climbing kiln where it is fired has produced hi-iro
("fire color") flashes of dark brown to rust red, and the entire piece
has a natural ash glaze, formed by swirling embers of pine that fused
to the surface of the clay. It is a remarkable
display of the kind of dynamic effects that only wood-fired pottery
can exhibit.
The decanter is accompanied by two faceted
sake cups fired in the same Tamba style. It holds
about 275 ml (9.3 oz) of liquid, or enough for four cups of your
favorite sake. The handle is fixed in place.
special care instructions |