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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.
This unique lidded vase by Ikai Yuichi has a rich, verdant tone.
It is done in an ash glaze saturated with copper (dark green hues) and
incised with darker lines (kokusen). A silver overglaze on the
underside of the lid and around the rim adds a bit of reserved
opulence, but only when the lid is off. The geometric strength
of the body makes this piece ideally suited for any modern
decor.
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.
Additional photos are available upon request.
special care instructions |
