Regular Member of Japan Handicrafts Council: Oketani Teiichi II (二代 桶谷定一) - Kinindate White Tenmoku Tea Bowl, Matchawan, Sake Vessel, Ice Bowl, Kyoto-Kiyomizu Ware #452

This White Tenmoku tea bowl is crafted by master artisan Oketani Teiichi II, who inherits the tradition of Kyoto-Kiyomizu ware and boasts ten awards at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Kinki Exhibition alongside selections for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. Born in 1935 in the pottery district of Higashiyama, Kyoto, Teiichi II graduated from the Ceramics Department of Kyoto Prefectural Fushimi High School in 1955 and apprenticed under the artist's father, Oketani Teiichi I, who was active in the Teiten and Nitten exhibitions, mastering advanced Tenmoku glaze pottery techniques. Becoming a leading authority in the research of Tenmoku glazes originating from China's Song Dynasty, this work crafted by the artist's hand is presented to the world not only as a noble tea utensil matchawan, but also as a luxury sake vessel for pouring amber aged sake or matured whisky, or as a Japanese ice bowl filled with crushed ice.

Generally, when thinking of Tenmoku works, black Tenmoku comes to mind—where oil spot or hare's fur crystallization floats upon a jet-black field created by black iron glaze. However, White Tenmoku, as seen in this piece, possesses an exceptionally special and noble history, having been used exclusively since the Muromachi period for Kinindate (tea presentation reserved for shogun families and high-ranking figures). While black Tenmoku reflects the night sky and the subtle beauties of natural kiln transformations, White Tenmoku symbolizes noble purity and flawless dignity. Examining the fine details of this work, the subtle indentation at the rim unique to Tenmoku, known as "suppon-guchi" (turtle mouth), and the soft vertical shading applied to the exterior surface harmonize beautifully with the milky-white glaze reminiscent of silky white porcelain. Quiet gradations of shadow emerge depending on the angle of light, creating a structure that brilliantly highlights the deep amber hue of poured aged sake or the transparency of ice.

Regarding the period of production, it can be specified as circa the 1980s to 1990s (late Showa to early Heisei era), a timeframe following Teiichi II's entry into pottery production in 1955, during which the artist achieved consecutive awards at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Kinki Exhibition and selections for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, bringing Teiichi II's reproduction and research of Tenmoku glazes to its utmost peak of maturity. Inside the footring, an incised signature indicating the hand of Oketani Teiichi II is carved, which, combined with the highly perfected White Tenmoku glaze tone, endows the vessel with precious craft value. The vessel body itself shows no damage such as cracks or chips, maintaining excellent condition in both the milky-white glazed surface and the texture of the footring's raw clay body.

• Artist: Oketani Teiichi II (二代 桶谷定一, 1935–)
• Career Highlights: [1955] Graduated from the Ceramics Department of Kyoto Prefectural Fushimi High School and apprenticed under Oketani Teiichi I; [1970–1990] Received 10 awards at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Kinki Exhibition, selected 3 times for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, and certified as a regular member of the Japan Handicrafts Council
• Public Collections: Permanent museum collection records are limited; however, the artist's works are widely cherished as tea utensils for practice and formal gatherings across various tea ceremony schools, earning high trust in the antique art and tea utensil markets
• Date: Circa 1980–1990 (late Showa to early Heisei era, estimated)
• Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks). Please regard the crazing that forms in firing, other characteristics of ceramics and the patina of age as part of the pleasure of an antique piece.
• Accompanied by: None (item only)
• Medium: Ceramic (Kyoto ware, White Tenmoku glaze)
• Dimensions: Height approx. 7.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 12.5 cm
• Please Note: All products offered by our shop are listed as pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused. Products may have age-related damage, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.
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