Yuichi Ikai

Ash glaze specialist Yuichi Ikai held an exhibition of his works at the Mitsukoshi Department Store Gallery in Tokyo this week.  It was the artist's first showing at this prestigious venue located in the heart of Japan's bustling capital city.

Visitors were greeted at the entrance by a splendid ash glazed tsubo jar whose organic tenor set the atmosphere for the inside of the gallery.  Seasonal tea ceremony bowls, fresh water jars, vases and chargers lined three sides of the gallery, delighting viewers with their soft, natural tones and elegant forms.  The fourth side was reserved for an impressive arrangement of sake flasks (tokkuri) and cups (guinomi); each piece officially serving as an emissary from one of the many ash glazes in the artist's repertoire: pine, straw, rice husk and zelkova. 

"Subtleties" was the resounding theme for this special event, and it was clear to see just how far Yuichi Ikai has come in mastering ash as a glazing medium - skillfully coaxing subtle hues and textures from this most fundamental of all glazes.

We hope you enjoy browsing this exhibition pictorial.  For inquiries about any of the works on display here, please contact 2000 Cranes
 

Yuichi Ikai

Haiyu Ash Glazed
Tsubo Jar
(exhibition centerpiece)

Haiyu Ash Glazed Tsubo Jar
(center)

Haiyu Ash Glazed Tsubo Jar
(detail)

 

Haiyu Ash Glazed Single Flower Vase
(rear)

Ame-yu Tea Ceremony Bowl

Olive Ash Glazed Fresh Water Jar
(front, left)

Kawa-kujira "Whale Skin"
Tea Ceremony Bowl (front)

Assorted Sake Cups

Haiyu Ash Glazed Charger
(front)

 

Assorted Sake Cups

Assorted Sake Cups
and Flasks

Hakuryu Ash Glazed Green Tea Cups
(front)
 

Celadon Tea Ceremony Bowl
 (front)

For inquiries about any of the works displayed here, please contact 2000 Cranes