Kiriko Vase Hiroaki Ichino

"KIRIKO Vase by Hiroaki Ichino"

Height: 16.5 cm Width: 14.0 cm

I. Work Overview - An Encounter Between Pottery and Lacquerware

This "KIRIKO Vase" by Ichino Hiroaki is an extremely rare vase that combines the simple, powerful earthiness of Tamba Tachikui ware with the luster and durability cultivated by Japanese lacquerware. After firing, the ceramic body is coated with multiple layers of lacquer, and then geometric patterns similar to cut glass are carved all over the surface, resulting in a deep blue that combines the three elements of ceramic body, lacquer, and light. This masterpiece truly embodies the simultaneous progression of tradition and innovation.

II. Beauty of Form - Three-dimensional patterns reminiscent of star flowers

As you can see, the pattern that covers the entire body is based on a hexagon and is made up of a relief of blossoming stars. This design is a transfer of cut patterns such as "chrysanthemum connection" and "bamboo leaves" used in Edo Kiriko glass onto the ceramic body, and the shadows change intricately depending on the angle of the light, evoking the twinkling of stars in the night sky. When you touch it, the fine unevenness feels pleasant on your fingertips, providing a rich experience both visually and tactilely.

III. Color Expression - From Jet Black to Indigo, From Indigo to Ultramarine

Using lacquer as the base layer, metallic pigments and transparent lacquer are layered alternately on top, creating a gradation from an almost black indigo color around the periphery to a pale ultramarine color around the shoulders and rim. The deep luster of the lacquer blends with the light diffusely reflected by the cut glass surface, and depending on the angle, it can appear like the deep sea or the sky before dawn - this is the greatest charm of the "KIRIKO Vase."

IV. Explanation of techniques - Carrying on the spirit of Tamba Tachikui ware

Tamba Tachikui ware has a history of over 800 years and is known for the "ash-covered" appearance created in climbing kilns and the simple form created by a left-handed rotating potter's wheel. This piece uses clay from this traditional production area and is made using the "pottery-based lacquerware" technique, in which lacquer is applied after firing.

Base shaping : The piece is turned into a neat egg shape on a left-handed kick wheel, and then bisque fired and final fired to form a sturdy clay body.

Lacquer coating : Transparent lacquer and ultramarine pigment are applied alternately, for a total of five layers including the undercoat and topcoat.

Carving : After drying, one side is carved with a cutting chisel, creating sharp edges for the pattern.

Polishing and finishing : The gloss is adjusted with charcoal and deer antler powder, and finally a thin layer of raw lacquer is rubbed in to bring out the color.

It is rare for the same artist to consistently perform both lacquering and carving, and this work demonstrates Ichino Hiroaki's unique and highly advanced multi-craftsmanship.

V. Hiroaki Ichino Artist Profile

Born in 1977 in Tanba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture

2001 Graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts, Department of Crafts, Majoring in Ceramics

In 2003, he returned to Tanba and inherited the family pottery business, while simultaneously self-studying lacquer art.

2012: Won the Grand Prize at the Hyogo Prefectural Art Exhibition for the "Kiriko Series of Ceramic Urushi"

Exhibited at Maison & Objet in Paris in 2020 and highly praised by overseas collectors, he explores the fusion of ceramics and lacquerware, based on his belief that "earth and tree sap (lacquer) are products of the same earth."

VI. The joy of use and appreciation

As a flower vase : The narrow opening is just the right size to hold a single flower or small branch. When used with white or pale purple flowers, the blue gradations are even more striking.

As a decorative piece : When placed near a light source, the facets will shine like stardust, creating a striking accent in the space.

The beauty of aging : The more lacquer is used, the more oxidation polymerization progresses, increasing its luster and transparency. Enjoy the changes over time as the color deepens over the course of several years or even decades.

VII. Collection value

Ceramic lacquerware can be restored and the lacquer surface can be repainted, making it an asset that can be passed down through generations.In addition, works that combine the three elements of Tamba Tachikui ware - the earthiness, lacquer art, and cut glass carving - are extremely rare on the market and have attracted attention from galleries both in Japan and abroad.

The "KIRIKO Vase by Ichino Hiroaki" is a one-of-a-kind work of art that crystallizes the spirit of Tamba Tachikui ware, which has a history of 800 years, and the finest Japanese lacquerware in a contemporary design. The moment you place a flower in it, or even just gaze upon it, a deep blue universe will emerge, transporting you from the ordinary to the extraordinary. We hope you will enjoy a special moment with this starry sky-like vase in your home or gallery.