Haiyūsai Kokusen Vase Set 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 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 the most rudimentary of tools.  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.

These ash glazed vases are outstanding examples of Ikai Yuichi's pottery making philosophy.  Both are glazed in pine and straw ash and accented with iron brushwork.  They were incised with the broken end of a tree branch at just the right time when the sandy clay body cleaved into a richly textured landscape.

Their size makes them well suited for small arrangements or the display of a solitary flower.

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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