Haiyūsai 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 natsu-jawan (summer tea ceremony bowl) is imbued with the organic quality for which Ikai Yūichi's works are widely renowned.  It is done in an ash glaze (haiyū-sai) of oak and cedar which has formed a vitrified stream leading to the tea pool - an incidental marking that centers the entire piece beautifully.  When filled with whipped matcha tea, the bowl holds a microcosm of a still, emerald pond surrounded by pure streams and lush tundra.

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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