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Much like his mentor, the late Shimizu Uichi (LNT),
Ikai Yuichi shows little hesitation in taking his work into other
ceramic genres. In 2007, he took a confident step into the
realm of wood fired pottery with the christening of his own climbing
kin (noborigama), located on the grounds of Kihei-gama. After
several preliminary firings to cure the kiln, his work entered into
full swing, and this tsubo (jar) is one of several larger works fired
at the start of this year in preparation for his annual Kyoto
Takashimaya exhibition.
The jar was laid on its side in the kiln, which is why the sense of
momentum is horizontal. During the initial phases of
firing, swirling embers of red pine began to fuse with the clay body,
building up liberally on the top side. As the temperature rose
to 1,250°C (2,300°F), the ash buildup began to melt and flow down the
sides of the jar, forming amber streams of natural glaze. Around
the lower side, several beads of vitrified ash show where the glaze
dripped off - "dragonfly eyes" as they are called in Japanese.
This tsubo is a magnificent example of the kind of kin dynamics that
only wood fired pottery can exhibit. It exudes a raw energy that
is inescapable, naturally drawing viewers in closer to ponder the
forces behind its creation.
Although traditionally used for storing tea leaves and other dry goods, tsubo also serve as vessels for flower arrangements,
and this one is large enough to accommodate grand compositions of branches and
long-stemmed flowers. As an interior display piece, however, it commands
equal attention on its own.
See Ikai Yuichi's
Takashimaya Gallery exhibition for more works from his 2009
collection.
A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by
the artist. Delivery time for this item is 2 weeks.
special care instructions |
