Haiyūsai Yōhen 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.  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 rice, straw 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.  As a result, his works are imbued with a natural, organic quality that resonates with Zen spirituality.

This ash glazed (haiyū) vase exemplifies Mr. Ikai's pottery making philosophy in every way.  Streams of vitrified rice cedar ash cascade down a gently undulating sandy clay body.  It is sturdy enough to hold large arrangements of long stemmed flowers or branches yet commands attention all on its own.

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

View Ikai Yūichi's Profile  |  View all works by this artist.