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.
DETAILS
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size | D 9.0 cm (3.5 in) x H 5.0 cm (2.0 in) |
| Capacity | 70 ml (2.4 fl oz) |
| Weight | 110 g (3.9 oz) |
| Material | Stoneware |
| Package Type | Wooden box |
| Microwave | No |
| Dishwasher | No |
Maker / Brand
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.
Crafts
Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware, collectively known as Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki, are celebrated pottery styles from Kyoto. Known for their vibrant designs, finely sculpted forms, and dedication to handcrafted detail, these wares reflect Kyoto’s distinctive sense of beauty and artistic refinement.
Defined by a long-cultivated diversity, Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware have drawn on techniques and styles from pottery traditions across Japan, evolving into a richly expressive and distinctly Kyoto art form. Recognized as a Traditional Craft of Japan in 1977, they continue to be cherished for their cultural depth and everyday appeal.
Choose options
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.
Dobuchi Yoshiaki: Decoding the Secrets of Yohen Tenmoku
Musubi Gallery
Since its inception, MUSUBI KILN has strived to introduce the world to the finest traditional crafts from masters all around Japan.
Here, in the Gallery, we seek to showcase the highest echelon of traditional techniques passed down through generations. You can discover works from masters who have not only perfected those methods, but added their imagination to innovate the craft even further.
Some of these masters have even been named Living National Treasures, a title bestowed upon them by the Japanese government to formally recognize their contribution to crafts and culture — thereby cementing their legacy and making them an important part of art history.
Each piece is meticulously handcrafted over many months to create a timeless treasure that's unlike any other. And when it's in your home, you, too, will become part of that history.
Welcome to the Gallery. Please, peruse at your leisure.
