Kamata Kouji Cup Purple Shine Oil Drops Cosmos 鎌田幸二紫光

Kamata Kouji Cup Purple Shine Oil Drops Cosmos 鎌田幸二紫光

This Yohen Shikou Tenmoku Guinomi (cup) is crafted by Koji Kamada, a leading contemporary master of tenmoku glaze in Japan. It is a captivating piece, showcasing radiant kiln effects and a mysterious purple shimmer unique to the “Shikou” (Purple Light) style.

The term "yohen" refers to a kiln technique in which unpredictable oil spots or silvery crystals emerge under carefully controlled firing conditions—such as fluctuations in temperature and oxidation-reduction atmosphere. No two pieces can ever be the same due to these subtle variables.

Among tenmoku glazes, Shikou is known for being especially difficult to produce. Through delicate manipulation of fire and glaze, faint purple hues and silvery droplets bloom across the surface, resulting in a one-of-a-kind, ever-changing expression depending on the angle of light. This particular cup also displays subtle hints of blue.

※Matcha Tea bowls of Kamata Koji's Shikou Tenmoku is sold for over ¥500,000.

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Thin body, good feeling to your lip.  The thinness is the element of the beauty of Kyoto ceramic. It is the values and aesthetics born in Kyoto's long ceramic history and culture. You can feel it in this cup. 

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Artist: Koji Kamata born in 1948

Size: Approx. Width 7.7 ㎝ / Height 5㎝ 
Box: Wood box