Dear Esteemed Owner,

I am delighted to present to you "Hidden Light Beneath the Sea: The Brilliance of Black Urushi and Raden", a unique Oribe ware matcha bowl that combines centuries of Japanese craftsmanship with the timeless art of kintsugi. This piece, completed in 2021, brings together the deep green hues of Oribe ware with the shimmering beauty of raden (mother-of-pearl) inlays. The bowl’s cracks have been restored with black urushi lacquer, giving the piece a bold and elegant look.

The radiant colors of the raden shine like hidden light from the ocean's depths, changing with each angle of light. This matcha bowl represents not only resilience but also the beauty of transformation. I trust that this piece will bring a sense of calm and beauty into your space.

To ensure the authenticity and originality of the artwork, both digital and hard copies of the letter of authenticity, signed by myself, will be provided. This documentation attests to the genuine craftsmanship and philosophical inspiration behind the piece, adding significant value and trust for collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese art.

Size: Height 7 cm, Width 12 cm
Weight: 361 g
Date of Creation: 2021

A handcrafted paulownia wood box is included, providing both protection and a refined presentation.

With sincere gratitude,
The Artist: Yoko Furuya

Hidden Light Beneath the Sea: The Brilliance of Black Urushi and Raden

Name: Hidden Light Beneath the Sea: The Brilliance of Black Urushi and Raden
Brand: Y.Furuya
SKU: Y.Furuya's Art #5

￥83,000

Quantity

Before your purchase is finalized, we will confirm availability directly with the creator. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we honor the artist’s creative process.

This Oribe ware matcha bowl was created in the spirit of Furuta Oribe, a tea master and samurai from the Momoyama period, who popularized bold and unconventional designs in Japanese pottery. With its rich green glaze and distinctive shape, Oribe ware holds a significant place in Japan’s cultural history, particularly within the world of tea ceremonies.

I chose to restore it using kintsugi with black urushi lacquer, creating a striking contrast between the deep green and the dark lacquer. I adorned the seams with raden, a traditional decorative technique that uses mother-of-pearl, known for its iridescent glow. This process requires precision and care, as each small piece of raden is placed by hand, bringing the natural beauty of the ocean’s treasures into the design. The result is a matcha bowl that radiates elegance and history, reflecting both tradition and creativity.
The inspiration behind "Hidden Light Beneath the Sea: The Brilliance of Black Urushi and Raden" lies in the beauty of raden (mother-of-pearl) inlays, which reflect light in a way that reminds one of seashells sparkling beneath the ocean’s surface. The deep green glaze of Oribe ware evokes the tranquility of the ocean’s depths, while the black urushi lacquer highlights the natural beauty of the cracks, turning them into radiant features. Each time light touches the raden, the colors shift and dance, adding a new dimension to the piece with every glance.
"Hidden Light Beneath the Sea: The Brilliance of Black Urushi and Raden" is crafted from Oribe ware, a type of Japanese pottery known for its deep green glaze. The kintsugi repair used black urushi lacquer to bond the broken pieces, creating a bold outline that highlights the cracks. Gold was not used in this restoration; instead, raden (mother-of-pearl) was inlaid along the seams, adding an ethereal, colorful shimmer that changes depending on the angle of light. The raden technique, traditionally seen in lacquerware, has been adapted here to blend seamlessly with kintsugi.

The bowl is housed in a paulownia wood box, ensuring its safety and adding an additional layer of elegance to the presentation.

Meaningful works for
intentional spaces

Hidden Light Beneath the Sea: The Brilliance of Black Urushi and Raden

The Story Behind the Artwork

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Materials Used & Artistic Style

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