Medieval Shiro Tenmoku style tea bowl

3D Model

This shiro tenmoku (white tenmoku) tea bowl is a piece created by experimental archeologist and potter Sokei Aoyama from Tajimi, Japan. The shiro tenmoku were centre pieces in the tea ceremony in medieaval Japan. Only three - all national treasures - have survived to our times. One of them is confirmed to have originated in Tajimi, a pottery production centre to this day.

Master Aoyama was recognised by the city of Tajimi as Holder of an Intangible Cultural Property for his discovery of the glazing and throwing techniques to make the bowls, a skill forgotten for 500 years. Of particular interest are the cracks, which during years of use turn dark from the tea. Also make sure to look at the brown base. The brown colour is from tea that has collected there over the years. The fine web and cracks and brown base are considered an important part of the beauty of the shiro tenmoku.

Photogrammetry model by Jason Miller, Lead Technical Artist, Mimir LLC.