Hironori Kajihara
Hironori Kajihara’s craftsmanship focuses on the production of celadon wares - pottery glazed in a jade green transparent glaze, with a fine web of crackling in the glaze which results in a Crystal-looking pattern.
Celadon was born in China over 2000 years ago, and it was particularly appreciated by emperors, nobles and literati.
It made its appearance in Japan 400 years ago, tying its fate to the flourishing culture of the tea ceremony.
Nowadays, its fortune has spread all over Asia and celadon wares have become the representative of the more and more appreciated Oriental culture.
Celadon hues can vary from jade green to turquoise to a light rice colour, as it features a refined elegance and a sense of presence.
Master Hironori Kajihara aims to create wares that are able to blend Celadon’s ancient history with modern sensibilities.
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Dexem espresso cups collection by Master artisan Hironori Kajihara are terracotta celadon wares called “SeijI”, covered with a thick ash-white glaze.
The unique characteristic is the pattern - from the Japanese “Hyouretsu Kannyu” (氷裂貫入), which is literally translated to "penetrating/piercing in" and is often referred to as a crackle glaze. The hairline cracks of the glossy translucent graze combined with the rustic earthenware base give the cups an air of simple luxury.
Making Process
The pots are crafted on a pottery wheel, left to dry and finally carved until the artisan reaches the desired shape.
Despite the drying, a significant amount of moisture is still in the clay - for this reason, the pots are bisque fired at a temperature of 900°C, a step that will prevent the pottery from cracking or even exploding in the kiln.
Next, the pots are glazed and finally fired at a higher temperature of about 1200°C.
Master Hironori Kajihara handles all the process stages by himself.