Yakishimé Ginsai Incense Burner 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 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 striking incense burner (kōro) is wood fired and embellished only with the hot embers which fused to the clay body while in the kiln.  To add a bit of opulence to the raw, unrefined base, the lid is overglazed with pure silver.

Although kōro of this type are traditionally used for holding pieces of smoldering charcoal upon which powdered incense is burned, this piece can easily accommodate stick types as well.  Incense is used while the lid is off, wafting through the holes for a time when the lid is replaced.

It makes an attractive accessory for any Japanese-influenced interior or modern décor.

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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