Takatori Yuko Madara Glaze Kakewake Milky Foggy Cup (Takatori Hassen Kiln)

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Takatori ware is a pottery originating from the tea ceremony in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It began about 400 years ago and has continued to the present day.

It flourished as the official kiln of the Kuroda clan during the Edo period. Under the guidance of Kobori Enshu , a tea master of the time, tea ware for the tea ceremony were created according to the concept of beauty called ”Kirei-Sabi” Kirei-Sabi simply means beauty, richness and harmony added to Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic. (Tea ware used by high-class people of power and warriors).

Takatori ware is characterized by brownish glaze and milky white glaze is applied. The body of the tea ware is often thin and graceful.

Takatori Yuko was born in the 400-year-old Yasen Kiln, where her grandfather was the 13th generation and her father the 14th.

Born into a kiln that has preserved its traditions, her works have a new beauty in the deep tradition.

Form of her works (cups) are gentle and pretty. On the works, the Takatori style glazing and the expression of Kirei-sabi are added.

She mastered the technique of 2 tone glaze application (Takatori kakewake) which is Takatori’s traditional style through involving in the family business of making tea ceremony ware.

She produced gentle yet rich patterns using milky white and brown glaze. The color of the mixture (often warm yellow) add the deepness.

The flows of glazes (which was made by burning rice straw and produce feeling of layers) and evokes a sense of nature such as clouds, fog, haze…

Her expression of sabi is blended into each cups, creating a sense of taste. The way the glaze applied (or left off) around the base, the unevenness of the glaze, and the unpredictable flow of the glaze are all used as they are – it is not consciously made but naturally, blending into the scene of the works.

When you have the cup in your hand, you will feel elegance, grace, warmth, and tradition lasting 400years. Every time you use it, you will find something new and enjoy appreciating it.