|
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 the young apprentice 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.
These ash glazed (haiyu-sai) pottery tea cups are done in pine and straw
ash and came from the kiln enrobed with the organic tenor for which
Ikai Yuichi's works are renowned. They promise to become a green tea-loving couple's treasure.
A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by
the artist. Delivery time for this item is 2 weeks.
See Ikai Yuichi's
Takashimaya Gallery exhibition for more works from his recent collection.
special care instructions |
