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You will often see designs with the name “Oribe” on various types of pottery, including matcha bowls. Oribe ware is a type of Mino ware, and is widely known for its distinctive designs and colors. The influence of the tea ceremony is deeply involved in the development of this pottery. In this column, we will introduce the relationship between Oribe ware and the tea ceremony, and matcha bowls with Oribe designs.

Table of Contents
1.　What is Oribe Ware?
2.　Connection between Oribe Ware and the Tea Ceremony
3.　Oribe Matcha Bowls
4.　Conclusion

What is Oribe Ware?

Oribe ware is a type of Mino ware that began being fired in Mino kilns near Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period. The most distinctive features of Oribe ware are its bold designs and vivid colors. It is particularly famous for the beautiful green color of its green glaze, which is created by firing a glaze containing iron at high temperatures. There are also Oribe ware pieces colored black, blue, and red, and they are decorated with geometric patterns and motifs of natural scenery, making them visually beautiful and unique pieces.

Connection between Oribe Ware and the Tea Ceremony

Many tea utensils were made during the heyday of Oribe ware. This is related to the fact that Oribe ware was made under the guidance of the tea master Furuta Oribe, from whom the name is derived. Furuta Oribe was a disciple of Sen no Rikyu and was the person who perfected the tea ceremony as Rikyu’s successor. He was also the tea master for Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. In contrast to the tranquility of Sen no Rikyu, he made tools with a dynamic “beauty of broken rhythm,” and this style was called the Oribe school.
Oribe ware tea utensils had an innovative aesthetic sense, with eccentric and innovative shapes and patterns, while respecting the spirit of the tea ceremony. There is a high degree of freedom in shaping the clay, and each piece is made using hand-twisting and casting techniques, and has a different expression. Such diversity and individuality are important elements in the tea ceremony, and tea masters can enjoy the meaning and beauty of each tool.

Oribe Matcha Bowls

Even today, matcha bowls are loved by many people for their beauty and practicality. Here, we will introduce some products handled by Imoto Sangyo Ltd. with photos.

Matcha bowls are one of the most important tools in the tea ceremony, and their shapes and designs are filled with deep meaning. Oribe ware matcha bowls are characterized by their diverse shapes and unique decorations, and each one has a different personality. For example, the bright color of the matcha bowl decorated with green glaze harmonizes with the green of the matcha, creating a beautiful contrast.

Conclusion

The appeal of Oribe ware lies in its history and unique aesthetic sense. It inherits the innovative spirit of Furuta Oribe and continues to be loved by many people today. Oribe ware pieces are not only valuable as tea ceremony utensils, but also as art, and are sure to continue to enrich our lives in the future.

Imoto Sangyo handles various types of ceramics, kitchenware, and daily necessities.
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