Haitō Yōhen Tea Ceremony Bowl 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 Zen-inspired tea ceremony exemplifies Ikai Yūichi's unique approach to pottery making in every way.  Roughly formed from a grainy clay, it holds incidental yōhen (kiln changes) gradations which formed as the ash glaze was permanently changed by the heat of the kiln.  When filled with the verdant color of whipped green tea, the bowl gains a depth that is quietly breathtaking - like a microcosm held within cupped hands.

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

A fukusa display cloth is included.

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