Yōhen Suisei Saké Cup by Kamada Kōji

Description

In his 50 years working in tenmoku, Kamada Kōji has developed a number of outstanding signature glazes - each one adding another facet to the diversity of his art.  This alluring saké cup is done in his yōhen suisei tenmoku.

Inside the kiln, the glaze goes through an amazing transformation.  At a temperature of around 1,232°C (2,250°F), wood ash begins to separate from its heavier iron layer, vitrifying on the surface in feathery streams.  But it is cobalt that gives yōhen suisei its mysterious quality, effectively capturing the colors of the deep sea and giving the piece a real sense of depth - like the point where sunlight yields to darkness.

Handcrafted to a wafer thinness, the cup is lightweight and perfectly balanced.  A contemplative gem for the saké connisseur.

Kamada Kōji's tenmoku works are held in private collections around the world and, in 2005, were acquired by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art for display in their Asian Art collection.

View Kamada Kōji's Profile  |  View all works by this artist.