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Yuichi Ikai trained for several years
under designated Living National Treasure Uichi Shimizu (1926-2004),
an artist renowned for his unhindered exploration into several ceramic disciplines, including iron
and ash glazes, tenmoku, and celadon. With
such an inspirational pioneer to serve as his sensei, it was only
natural that Mr. Ikai would bravely venture into these areas himself
some day.
Celadon is the most recent phase in Yuichi Ikai's ceramic art and
one where he has already proven a high degree of mastery. Called seiji
in Japanese, celadon is denoted by a network of fine cracks (kanyu) which
forms beneath the glassy surface of the glaze while cooling in the
kiln. In order for these details to develop sufficiently, precise forming and
uniform glazing are essential - strict requirements rather hard to
accept for an artist who avoids the mechanization of his craft.
As a result, Mr. Ikai chooses the much more difficult path of dipping his
celadon pots, and that has put him in territory that few Japanese
potters dare to enter.
This lovely sake set is a testament to Yuichi Ikai's unique
approach to the seiji technique. The gourd shaped flask is done
in a powdery blue celadon and accented with thousands of overlapping
kanyu layers. The cup (guinomi) is also done in celadon.
Yohen (kiln changes) produce the distinctive blue to beige gradation -
an effect that is highly prized among seiji collectors in Japan.
See Yuichi Ikai's
Mitsukoshi Gallery exhibition catalog for more from his 2006 collection
special care instructions |
