One of the vessels most loved by tea masters. Hagi in Yamaguchi is the home of Hagi ware, long held in high regard in the world of the tea ceremony. "First Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu," goes the ranking of tea bowls, placing Hagi second, so beloved has it been by tea masters. Hagi ware is made of soft clay and restrained glaze, plain in color and pattern. But that very plainness has been considered fitting for the tea room. And it changes the more you use it, the "seven transformations of Hagi," as tea and sake seep into the vessel and its hue slowly deepens. The vessel ages alongside its owner. It is fired in a climbing kiln, a great kiln built on a slope, the fire kept burning for days, flame turning clay into vessel. In the experience, you turn the wheel and make your own piece, which may one day become a vessel you raise with your own hands.