Ash-glazed Pretty flower vase by Masahiro Ichino

"Ash Glazed Flower Vase with Carved Patterns by Masahiro Ichino"

Height: 12.0 cm Width: 16.8 cm

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I. Overview of the work: Serenity and spirit dwelling in ash glaze

This is an ash-glazed vase created by Ichino Masahiro, a young and talented artist from Tamba Tachikui. The soft egg-shaped form is enveloped in a deep olive-colored glaze created by the mixture of ash and iron during long firing in a wood-fired kiln. On the surface, carvings reminiscent of lotus flowers, a symbol of purity in Buddhism, bloom quietly all around the base.

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II. Beauty of Form: The image of the Pure Land conveyed by lotus inscriptions

The inscription on the rising edge of the foot is a beaded pattern of lotus petals. The vitality of the lotus, which blooms purely despite the mud in the ground, has been revered since ancient times as a Buddhist metaphor for "untainted" and "purity." A thin layer of glaze is intentionally applied to accentuate the ridges of the petals, and as the glaze flows slightly during firing, the edges of the petals glow amber - this delicate presentation is the result of Masahiro Ichino's keen observational skills and sculptural sense.

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III. The color of ash glaze: Shades reminiscent of melted ink

Ash glaze develops its color when the lime and silica contained in wood and straw ash react with the iron contained in the clay. In this piece, the flames of the wood-fired kiln, which was fired at a slightly reducing temperature, caused a large amount of ash to fall, creating a subtle gradation of dark green, guncha, and karecha from the shoulders to the waist. Depending on the viewing angle and light source, the scene appears as if a cloud of ink was flickering, creating a deep sense of rhythm in the silence.

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IV. Explanation of techniques: Left-handed kick wheel and engraved lines

molding

The body is turned on a traditional Tanba left-handed kick wheel, and the rim is narrowed to ensure the stability of the flower holder.

Carvings and engravings

When the piece is half dry, the base is smoothed and a sharp knife is used to carve out successive lotus petals. Although the depth is only about 1 mm, the sharp angle creates a shadow that allows the glaze to easily accumulate.

Glazing

The entire piece is covered in a self-adjusting ash glaze made from a blend of wood ash, red pine ash, and straw ash. The engraved lines are quickly wiped with a brush to prevent too much glaze from building up, highlighting the outline of the petals.

Honyaki

It is baked in a climbing kiln for about 60 hours at a maximum temperature of 1,300°C. Towards the end, the reduction is strengthened slightly, turning the iron into a calm green-brown color.

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V. Masahiro Ichino: Biography and style

Born in Tanba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture in 1993. He is the third generation of the Ichino family, a Tanba ware pottery manufacturer.

Graduated from the Ceramics Course of the Department of Crafts at Osaka University of Arts in 2015 .

In the same year , he returned to the family pottery business and trained in wood-fired kiln firing under the guidance of his grandfather, Hiroyuki Ichino.

Selected for the Crafts category at the 46th Hyogo Prefectural Exhibition in 2019 .

In 2023, he will hold a solo exhibition titled "New Ash Glaze." His series, which combines ash glaze and engraved patterns, has attracted the attention of critics.

Masahiro Ichino is known for his style of work that consciously designs chemical changes of the natural elements of "earth, ash, and flame" while working with traditional Tanba clay, adding a modern rhythm to a simple design.

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Ⅵ. The pleasure of using and appreciating

As a flower vase : The opening is just under 2 cm, so it can hold a single branch or a few flowers neatly. The lotus pattern tightens the edge, making the flowers stand out more.

As a decorative item : If placed alone on a shelf or table, the ultramarine ash glaze will reflect the light and create quiet shadows, adding a touch of wabi-sabi to the space.

Changes over time : The ash glaze becomes more lustrous the more you touch it, and the iron spots soften and blend in. Enjoy the process of it maturing into a one-of-a-kind piece through daily care.

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VII. Collection value: The breath of Tamba that transcends generations

There are few examples of works that combine lotus carvings and ash glaze scenery in circulation, making this piece particularly rare even among Tamba Tachikui ware. In addition, this piece is positioned among the early representative works of Ichino Masahiro, who is emerging as a young artist, and will be a valuable benchmark for tracking his future career.

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Conclusion

The "Ash Glazed Engraved Flower Vase by Ichino Masahiro" is a masterpiece that combines the wisdom of earth and fire cultivated by Tamba Tachikui with the spirituality of lotus engraved patterns. The moment you put the flowers in it, or the moment you gaze upon it, the depth of the ash glaze and the purity of the lotus will resonate with each other, quietly adorning your everyday surroundings. Please bring it into your hands and enjoy the texture and spirituality that will increase with the passage of time.