Traditional Crafts Matcha Bowl, Tenmoku Black, by Eikoh Tanaka, Kyoto

A matcha bowl that calms the mind and enhances the taste and aroma of matcha. Its profound charm is attracting attention not only from Japanese people but also from people overseas. Matcha bowls are popular not just for drinking tea, but because they are filled with many Japanese elements such as the spirit of hospitality, beauty, and traditional etiquette.

Tenmoku refers to pottery bowls fired with a glaze called Tenmoku glaze, which was brought back by monks who studied at Zen temples in Mount Tenmoku, Zhejiang Province, China, during the Kamakura period. The color varies depending on the iron content. Tenmoku with less iron is called "ame-yu" (amber glaze) and turns brown through oxidation firing. Tenmoku with high iron content is called "kaki-yu" (persimmon glaze) and its subdued brown color varies through oxidation firing. Some Tenmoku pottery works, called "Seikan Tenmoku," have a complex appearance with a mixture of purple and black, and may show blue hues depending on the angle of light.

Pottery Career: Eikoh Tanaka

1950: Born in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
1975: Enrolled in Kyoto Pottery and Porcelain Technical School.
After graduation, studied under his elder brother, Azan Tsuji, and learned about tea pottery.
1985: Became independent and opened a kiln in Gojo-zaka, Kyoto.
Has exhibited primarily in solo and group exhibitions of tea pottery, mainly in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Received several awards for Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki.
2016: Certified as a Traditional Craftsman.
Currently creating pottery in Imakumano, Higashiyama Ward.
2020: Designated as a Skilled Craftsman (Kyoto Master Craftsman) by Kyoto City.
Joined the Kyoto Traditional Industry Spring Association.
Currently creating pottery in Imakumano, Higashiyama Ward.

As these are handmade, the shape, color, size, and weight of each item will vary.

Ceramic Matcha Bowl "Tenmoku Kuro". Applied Art, Handmade. Kyoto, Eikoh Tanaka.

Tenmoku is a type of Japanese ceramic ware coated with an iron-containing glaze. It is usually black or dark brown, but can also be yellow, purple, etc.
This art form was introduced from China in the 12th century and, after a long process of assimilation, has rightfully earned its position as one of the most prominent genres of Japanese applied art. The pinnacle of craftsmanship is the creation of silvery spots on the surface, which can shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow when light hits them. In tea ceremonies, such bowls have a special presence and are handled with great reverence. Tenmoku bowls are served only on a specially made wooden stand and only to highly respected guests.

Eikoh Tanaka was born in Kyoto. He studied at the Kyoto College of Ceramics and Porcelain. After graduation, he apprenticed under the renowned master Azan Tsuji, where he learned the secrets of ceramics for the tea ceremony.
Since 1985, he has actively held solo exhibitions in Kyoto and Tokyo, and has participated in competitions where his works in the Kyoyaki and Kiyomizuyaki genres have repeatedly received special awards.
In 2016, he received the title of Master Craftsman of Japanese Traditional Applied Arts.
In 2020, he was honored by the Kyoto City as a Master Craftsman of Kyoto Applied Arts.

Tanaka Eikoh's bowls are items of decorative and applied art. Therefore, the shape and color of the finished products may differ slightly from the photographs.