Rakunyu
The Story
Rakunyu is one of the very few makers of the well-known Rakuware pottery in Japan, a tradition with a long history. Besides creating unique tea bowls essential for the tea ceremony, he has begun innovating to bring Raku ceramics out of the tea room, to let people enjoy the charm of heritage in their modern interiors.
Born to the family of Rakuware craftsmen, a lineage founded by his grandfather, who initially enjoyed Rakuware as a hobby while making whetstones during the war, until deciding to make Raku tea bowls as a side job. His son expanded the tradition to also include various tea utensils and figurines.
Rakunyu studied under his father after completing training in two prestigious ceramists’ training institutes. He began studying tea ceremony in his early twenties and has been commissioned as an officer of the Omotesenke Domonkai association for many years. In 2001, he was certified as a highly-skilled traditional craftsman, and in 2004, he inherited the title Rakunyu III, becoming the 3rd generation headmaster.
Rakunyu operates from the principle, “from intention to emptiness.”
He feels that artists are intentionally creating things, while craftsmen try to get rid of intention and work from emptiness. This is emptiness in the Zen Buddhist sense, relating to the state of mind where we act and create not from the goal-driven ego, but rather in letting it all go and simply trust in the process.
The Tour
Explanation about the history of Raku ware and tea ceremony at the gallery
The tour begins at the gallery. Here, you will learn more about the long history and background of Raku ware and the tea ceremony, including its traditions and techniques that have been passed down for over 400 years, and its relationship to the tea ceremony.
Matcha (powdered green tea) experience in a tea ceremony room and explanation of Japanese culture and tea ceremony
Participants will move to the tea room and enjoy matcha (powdered green tea) using actual Raku tea bowls. While experiencing the texture and mouth feel of the tea bowl with Japanese sweets, we will discuss Japanese culture and the spirit of the tea ceremony. This will be an opportunity to experience the depth of traditional culture, such as the spirit of “Omotenashi” (hospitality) and the importance of tea utensils in the tea ceremony.
Workshop (kiln) tour: Up-close and personal experience of the production process
After the experience in the tea ceremony room, visitors will move to the studio to see how Raku ware is actually made. Visitors can observe up close the unique technique of forming by hand without using a potter’s wheel and the rare firing process of “drawer firing,” in which each piece is carefully pulled out of the kiln one by one, and experience the delicacy of the technique and the attention to detail of the craftspeople.
Pottery making experience (optional): Create your own tea ceremony utensils
If you wish to experience pottery making, you can actually create small items such as matcha cups, lid rests, and incense containers. Under the guidance of an artisan, you can create your own original work of art and enjoy the valuable experience of experiencing traditional Japanese pottery making techniques.
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The Craft
Raku ware is a unique Japanese pottery born in Kyoto that began in the Momoyama period and has a history and tradition of more than 400 years. It utilizes a naturally occurring uneven shape created by “twist forming” and a rare firing method called “drawer firing.” Since ancient times, tea ceremony practitioners have loved Raku tea containers as they feel pleasant to the hand and mouth.
The pottery clay is one used since his grandfather’s generation, a blend of soil that seeks a unique base color and texture. In the spirit of emptiness, Rakunyu seeks creation within the tradition, aiming for a unique work which can never be duplicated. He has further expanded on the work of his father, promoting the development of tableware that makes full use of Rakuware techniques, as well as adopting tiles for interior decoration in a number of luxury hotels.
Rakunyu ceramics can be seen at their studio gallery, or via their online site. They also offer half-day and one-day pottery courses which allow guests the opportunity to make two matcha cups and one small vessel such as Futaoki (lid holder for tea ceremony) or Kogo (incense container). Private lessons also available.
Selected works
