2026.5の窯焚きを振り返って
Reflecting on the May 2026 Firing
4月に窯を焚いたところでしたが、茶碗だけでひと窯焚こうと考え、約70碗程のお茶碗を焚き上げました。煙突の改修が間に合わず、焚きはじめから空気の上昇を引き出そうと、煙突の先から炭を投入し、空気を温めることに注力しました。前回より、引きが少しは戻りましたが、根本的な解決には至りませんでした。
生まれ出た作品は思いのほかバラエティに富んでいて、特に丹波土の作品が渋く仕上がったように思います。
土は信楽の黄瀬土、野洲の篠原土、伊賀ガイロメ粘土、丹波土と多岐にわたり、作風に土の性質が大きく影響しています。どうぞご笑覧ください。
Following my firing in April, I decided to dedicate an entire kiln load exclusively to tea bowls (chawan), firing approximately 70 pieces. As the planned chimney modifications were not yet complete, I focused on heating the air within the stack from the very beginning of the firing by dropping charcoal into the top of the chimney to induce a stronger upward draft. While this improved the airflow slightly compared to the previous firing, it did not provide a fundamental solution to the draft issue.
Despite these challenges, the resulting pieces show an unexpected variety. I am particularly pleased with how the pieces made from Tanba clay turned out, as they possess a wonderfully refined, understated aesthetic.
For this batch, I used a diverse range of clays—Shigaraki Yellow-seto, Yasu Shinohara, Iga Gairo-me, and Tanba—and the unique characteristics of each clay have profoundly influenced the final outcome of the work. I hope you enjoy viewing them
朝鮮唐津を彷彿とさせる景色。これが全て自然釉のなせる技。薪の灰が幾重にも降り積もり、いく条もの流れになりました。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
A landscape reminiscent of Chosen Karatsu, crafted entirely by the hand of nature. Layers of wood ash have settled over the vessel, cascading down in multiple streams.
焼締茶碗
窯の中の風の流れを感じさせてくれるお茶碗です。丹波土の土味が綺麗サビの表現にマッチしているのではないでしょうか。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
Fired in the kiln to capture the movement of the flames and air, this piece highlights the authentic texture of Tamba clay. Its natural finish perfectly embodies the essence of sabi.
焼締茶碗
薪の灰が器体を覆い、還元の状態でゆっくりと冷却しました。土は信楽の土。松の灰と広葉樹の灰が混ざり合って、淡いブルーになりました。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
The vessel was surfaced by wood ash that settled during the firing in an anagama kiln, followed by a slow cooling process in reduction. Crafted from Shigaraki clay, the interaction of pine and hardwood ash produced a subtle, pale blue hue.
焼締茶碗
このお茶碗は窯の後ろの棚で焼成されました。雪のように静かに舞い降りた灰が器に降りかかり、この景色が生まれました。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
This tea bowl was fired on the back shelf of the kiln. Ash settled onto the vessel as quietly as falling snow, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape on its surface."
焼締茶碗
まるで釉薬をかけて焼いたかのような佇まい。全てが薪の灰によるものです。1320度を超える温度の中で様々な灰が混ざり溶け合いました。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
With an appearance so refined, one might assume it was glazed; however, every mark is entirely the work of wood ash. Within the kiln at temperatures over 1320°C, the various types of ash mingled and fused together.
焼締茶碗
器の外側は削ることで形を作り出しています。削りの跡が荒々しい表現を生み出し、そこに灰が降りかかることでこの色彩が生まれました。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
The exterior of the vessel was shaped by trimming, and the raw, rhythmic marks left behind create a bold expression. As wood ash settled onto these facets during the firing, it brought a unique depth and character to the piece.
焼締茶碗
自然釉は左から右手に向けて流れています。強還元ならではのブルーがとても鮮やかに、茶碗を包み込みました。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
The natural ash glaze flows from left to right, wrapping the tea bowl in a vivid, striking blue hue—a signature result of the intense reduction firing.
焼締茶碗
両の手のひらにすっぽりとおさまる可愛らしさ。美しい緋色がこのお茶碗の魅力をひときわ引き立てています。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
Its endearing size fits perfectly into the palms of your hands. The exquisite hiiro (scarlet) hue further accentuates the unique charm of this tea bowl.
焼締茶碗
丹波の土を使った小振りなお茶碗です。烈しく右手から炎と降りそそぐ灰を浴びました。それを耐え抜いたものにだけ与えられる景色です。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
Crafted from Tanba clay, this petite tea bowl bears the marks of a fierce firing. It was subjected to intense flames and a relentless shower of falling ash from the right—a rugged landscape bestowed only upon those pieces that endure the kiln's harshest trials.
焼締茶碗
一条の流れが印象深いお茶碗です。滝壺に落ちてゆく一筋の流れを想起させます。静寂の中の水の音。格調高い一碗です。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
A singular streak of ash glazing descends like a mountain stream, etching a silent, rhythmic sound into the surface of the vessel. A piece of profound and timeless dignity.
焼締茶碗
茶碗の表情から空気の流れが見えます。作品同士の隙間を通る風の流れは速く、降りかかる灰も素通りして行きます。
Yakishime Tea Bowl
From the very presence of these tea bowls, one can perceive the currents of the air. The draft quickens as it weaves through the spaces between them, causing even the falling ash to drift right by.