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Kyoto native Ikai Yuichi received training under
the late Shimizu Uichi (1926-2004) who, in 1985, was awarded the title
of Living National Treasure for his outstanding work in ceramic
making. And it is from his sensei that Mr. Ikai learned
the secrets to coaxing subtle hues and fluid effects from the oldest
and most rudimentary of all glazes - hai, or ash.
Now an established ceramic artist in his own
right, Ikai Yuichi has developed a unique approach to pottery making
over the years: that is, to intervene as little as possible between nature and the
work itself. As a result, any sort of mechanization to his craft is minimized,
or avoided altogether, at every step of the creative process.
His glazes are unfiltered and additive free, made from a simple
mixture of water and straw, oak, or cedar ash. The clays he uses are grainy
and unprocessed, and forming tools are often just the broken end of a tree branch. Imperfection and asymmetry are emphasized
over mechanical precision or any contrived embellishments.
Imbued with the organic tenor for which Ikai Yuichi's works are
renowned, this ash glazed (haiyu-sai) vase
exemplifies his pottery making philosophy in every way.
Amber streams of vitrified rice straw ash cascade down a sandy clay
body that gently swings and undulates...naturally.
The vase is intended for the display of one solitary,
long-stemmed
flower.
See Ikai Yuichi's
Takashimaya Gallery exhibition for more works from his recent
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 |
