Haiyūsai Green Tea Pot by Ikai Yūichi

Description

Kyoto native Ikai Yūichi has trained 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 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 Yūichi 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, and the clays he uses are grainy and unprocessed.

This ash glazed (haiyū) tea pot is done in pine and straw ash and imbued with the organic tenor for which Ikai Yūichi's works are renowned.  Each component, from the handle to the spout, is deftly formed.  The interior has a built-in sieve porous enough to allow small bits of green tea leaf to flow through - a timeless custom shared by many tea drinkers in Japan.  Its total capacity is 210 ml (7.1oz).  Gyokuro is highly recommended.

A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by the artist.  Delivery time for this item is 2 weeks.

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