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Yuichi Ikai's approach to pottery
making is to intervene as little as possible between nature and the
work itself. Any sort of mechanization to his craft is minimized in every step of the creative process: ash glazes (haiyu) are unfiltered and additive free, clays are grainy
and unprocessed, and forming tools are often just his bare hands and
the end of a tree branch. Imperfection and asymmetry are emphasized
over mechanical precision and any contrived embellishments. As a
result, his works are imbued with a natural, organic quality.
This chawan (tea ceremony bowl) exemplifies Mr. Ikai's all natural philosophy
in every way. It takes its name from the two characters for ash
(hai) and pottery (tō),
and both are equally represented here.
The bowl was formed without the aid of a potter's wheel, completely by
hand, from a single ball of raw clay, yet it remains surprisingly
lightweight and well balanced. The glaze, made from a simple
mixture of water and rice husk ash, blends quite harmoniously with the
darker color of the clay body.
When filled with whipped matcha green tea, this Zen-inspired
chawan resonates with austere beauty.
A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by
the artist. Delivery time for this item is 2 weeks.
A fukusa (display cloth) is included.
See Yuichi Ikai's
Mitsukoshi Gallery exhibition catalog for more from his 2006 collection
special care instructions
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