Yohen Tenmoku Sake Cup

A fragment of the cosmos captured on clay, the Yohen Tenmoku Sake Cup embodies both history and mystery. Its deep, glossy surface shimmers with celestial patterns—iridescent halos and floating orbs that shift with the light, evoking an endless universe within its curved walls.

Tracing its origins back to a single kiln during the Southern Song dynasty in China over 800 years ago, yohen tenmoku was once lost to time, its creation long thought to be beyond reach. Master ceramicist Dobuchi Yoshiaki has painstakingly revived this glaze, the result of relentless experimentation and devotion to an art form that defies control.

The mesmerizing effect is born from carefully selected clay and a precisely mixed glaze, with layers meticulously controlled to create something ultimately left to chance. Fire and air shape each piece in unpredictable ways, forming a landscape of color and depth. As the gaze travels toward the base of the cup, a deepening glow emerges. Its brilliance unfolds under natural light, where reflection and scattered light reveal intricate details.

More than a vessel, it is a call from the past—reborn through the dedicated craftsmanship and perseverance 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.