Konoha Tenmoku Sake Cup

Fleeting nature, gracefully embedded forever in porcelain. The Konoha Tenmoku Sake Cup carries the quiet presence of a single leaf, its delicate veins and organic form fused into the glaze through a technique developed over 800 years ago during the Southern Song dynasty in China. Originally used in tenmoku glazes, this method involved firing real leaves onto the surface, embedding them into the vessel itself. Master ceramicist Dobuchi Yoshiaki has reimagined this ancient technique, bringing it new refinement against the clear, pristine depth of celadon.

The process is as much about the selection and the preparation of the leaves. Dobuchi personally collects leaves from various trees, yet only those that meet his strictest criteria are chosen. Each leaf is carefully examined for its structure, texture, and suitability. The season plays a crucial role—young leaves hold too much moisture, while autumn leaves are too dry and brittle to fire successfully. From thousands of collected leaves, only a select few are pressed and preserved, ensuring each piece carries a leaf of singular character. 

Set against a soft celadon glaze, the leaf takes on an almost translucent quality, as if suspended in water. The pale blue-green depth enhances every delicate detail, allowing light to bring out its intricate veins and organic grace. This sake cup is a work of patience and devotion—one that finds new life through the hands of Dobuchi.

Dobuchi Yoshiaki

Dobuchi Yoshiaki, the fourth-generation head of Kyoto’s Touan, specializes in tenmoku: an ancient technique long prized in ceramics for its depth and complexity. Tenmoku has inspired generations of potters with its reflective finish, striking black glaze, and intricate patterns. Dobuchi’s work reflects both technical mastery and artistic vision, each piece grounded in the past while building a fresh creative future.

Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware, collectively known as Kyo-yaki or Kiyomizu-yaki, are esteemed crafts from Kyoto. Unlike other pottery styles, they integrate various techniques from across Japan, resulting in unique, handmade pieces. Each item is crafted meticulously, from shaping on the pottery wheel to intricate painting, showcasing exceptional modeling skills and delicate designs.

With a rich history intertwined with traditional Japanese culture, Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware are celebrated for their refined artistry and elegance. Known for their vibrant and detailed paintings, they were officially recognized as a traditional craft by the Japanese government in 1977. Today, these ceramics are prized for their high artistic quality, embodying both historical craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication.