Potter: Seigan Yamane

Approximate size: please inquire for measurements and additional photos.

Available for purchase is a selection of 8 tea bowls made by the well known Hagi potter Yamane Seigan. This potter prides himself in working hard and tries to continually keep innovating his work.

Apart from the diverse modelling apparent on these objects, they provide only a small part of the incredible range of glazes by this artist. His traditional Sansei, or 3 colours, rarer teals on to more recent work in other glaze combinations.

The ‘seven transformations’ of Hagi-yaki ware that appear through use.

The word nanabake (seven transformations) is used for Hagi-yaki ware. This word refers to the change in colour as the tea seeps through the cracks in the glazing formed by the rough earth that was used to create Hagi-yaki ware, permeating the bowl and changing its colour. Such change in colour over time is highly prized by tea ceremony masters. The beauty of change and the beauty of minimal adornment – this world view of Hagi-yaki ware embodies the aesthetic values held by the Japanese.

1952 Born in Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture
1972 Pursue a martial arts career through the style of Kyokushin Kaikan, Shoringi Kempo and Ashihara-kaikan of a New International Karate Organization
1974 Established a Karate school, to this day he remains the master of the Karate dojo
1987 Decided to pursue a life in pottery
Built a kiln by his own effort which took a year
1990 Made a presentation at 3rd Hagi ware Festival by recommendation of Yoshida Hagi-en Chokumon and received favor
Subsequently he participated 13 times in the festival
Established his own kiln, Kousaian
1998 Held a private exhibition at a Konpuan gallery in Kuga
2001 Held a exhibition at a Yamaboushi gallery in Hagi
2003 Held a joint exhibition with Ms. Yoko Yu in Yamaguchi
Held a private exhibition at the Shinto gallery in Kobe

All chawan are unused and condition is mint. No chips or cracks. Also come with a pamphlet with information about Yamane Seigan. Please try matcha with one of these chawan.

please inquire for additional photo’s and dimensions

There is a saying attributed to several tea masters (including Sen no Rikyu), regarding the ranking of tea ware. “First Ido, Second Raku, Third Karatsu —when referring to ceramic ware used for the Japanese tea ceremony. It is considered one of the top styles of pottery for use in tea ceremonies in Japan. Ido referring to Ido style chawan from Korea.

A variation of the above can be seen in the Japanese proverb on topic of wares used in the Tea ceremony. “Ichi-Raku, Ni-Hagi, San-Karatsu.” Loosely translated, here the saying ranks Raku first, followed by Hagi and thirdly Karatsu utensils.