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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 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.
This chawan tea ceremony bowl exemplifies Mr. Ikai's 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
body 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, it becomes a very
contemplative piece, resonating with Zen simplicity.
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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