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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 magnificent ash glazed tsubo jar exudes the kind of
organic quality for which Ikai Yuichi's works are widely renowned.
Glazed in pine and straw ash, it holds yōhen (kiln change) variations
of verdant hues, detailed uniformly with feldspar grains which have
burst from their earthen bed.
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 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 |
