Haiyūsai Kokusen Lidded Vase 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.  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 inspired lidded tsubo by Ikai Yūichi has a rich, earthy tone.  It is done in an ash glaze saturated with copper (ochre hues) and incised with darker lines (kokusen).  A silver overglaze on the underside of the lid and around the rim adds a bit of reserved opulence, but only when the lid is off.  The geometric strength of the body makes this piece ideally suited for any 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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