Yoshiki Chaire

Stoneware, dimensions 9.6 x 7 cm

The creator of this chaire is Murata Yoshiki, who was born in Tokoname in 1950 and has been producing mainly tea ceramics in his own kiln since 1973. He has participated in numerous exhibitions and has gone by the artist name Yoshiki since 1979. This tea caddy comes in a signed wooden box (tomobako).

The caddy is divided into two halves. The upper part features a subtle hammered decoration, which is elaborately tapped onto the surface. A metal ball attached to a rod is used for this. The lower part is separated by a slightly curved line and sits a little deeper. The caddy therefore resembles a special cast-iron kettle shape used in the tea ceremony. Like most of his utensils, the caddy was also fired in a varying kiln atmosphere, which is evident in the red and very dark color gradients. Another special feature is the lid, which is so well matched to the caddy that it slides into the caddy on its own when placed on top. 

Tokoname is the oldest of the "Six Ancient Kilns". Ceramics have been fired in today's Aichi Prefecture since the year 1100. In the early days, potters focused on producing unglazed utilitarian ceramics. Around 1200, with approximately 3000 kilns, it was Japan's largest ceramics center.

In 1840, the first potters in Tokoname tried to imitate Yixing ceramics with iron-containing clay. For red shudei ceramics, the finest fraction of a very iron-rich clay found under rice fields is required.