Learn About Richly Glazed TENMOKU Glazed Art Pottery ~

Tenmoku is a beautiful * organic * intensely powerful feldspath stoneware glaze fired in the kiln at very high temperatures. Iron oxide gives tenmoku stunningly brilliant black, copper and brown hues, some with gorgeous and desireable tortoise or wild cat patterns.

History:

Tenmoku glaze was first documented and used in the mountainous Fuchien Province in China -  during the T'ang Dynasty - 618 - 9O7.  These years are recognized as the Golden Years of Art and Literature in China.  Later, during the Sung Dynasty - 96O - 1279 - this technique of glazing and firing became fine-tuned and perfected.

Superb Tenmoku Works of Art from Japan

Mashiko is in the southeastern part of Tochigi prefecture, known worldwide for its outstanding, top quality, highly respected pottery. It is believed that this style of innovative, beautiful pottery was started by Otsuka Keizaburo in 1853. Tenmoku glazes have been used by great art pottery artists in Mashiko - including Shoji Hamada and English artist Bernard Leach.

Here is a link to Tenmoku Glazed Treasures:

Tenmoku Glaze Art Pottery

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