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Ikai Yuichi'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 or any contrived embellishments. As a
result, his works are imbued with a natural, organic quality.
This tea ceremony bowl (chawan) 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. A thin application of ash glaze,
applied in energetic strokes and splashes, helps emphasize the grainy
character of the clay body and gives the appearance of marbled stone.
When filled with whipped matcha, this piece holds a microcosm of an
still, emerald pond surrounded by arid mountain.
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 Ikai Yuichi's
Mitsukoshi Gallery exhibition catalog for more from his recent collections
special care instructions
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