Width: 6.7cm Height: 5.7cm
The "Ash Glaze Sake Cup" by Yuichi Ikai is a masterpiece that reflects modern aesthetics while making full use of traditional techniques. This sake cup is small in size and fits comfortably in the hand, making it easy to hold and comfortable to use. When sake is poured into it, the delicate color unique to the ash glaze is beautifully reflected, giving the drinker a rich sensation.
The beauty of ash glaze and color changes The ash glaze applied to this sake cup is a traditional glaze made from plant ashes, and is one of the important techniques that has been used since the birth of Seto ware. Impurities contained in the ash create different colors depending on the firing method. Oxidation firing produces a pale yellow-green color, while reduction firing produces a pale blue color. In Ikai Yuichi's "Ash Glaze Sake Cup," the deep brown color is beautifully expressed, and the subtle color changes give the entire cup a sense of depth.
Fusion of tradition and innovation Ash glaze is the basis of all glazes, and its history and profound technique are strongly reflected in Yuichi Ikai's work. While inheriting traditional glazing techniques, he incorporates modern aesthetic sensibilities and seeks new ways of expression. The deep brown glaze of this sake cup gives it a depth and weightiness reminiscent of antique pottery, making it a work that shines with innovation.
The charm of the "Haiyusai Sake Cup" deepens the more you use it. The texture that fits comfortably in your hand and the soft luster are developed through daily use, and the flavor increases over time. Also, when you pour sake into it, the color of the glaze changes and shows a beautiful reflection, making your evening drink even more special.
Wide range of uses and ways to enjoy: This sake cup can be enjoyed not only as a sake cup, but also as a mini flower vase for arranging small flowers. The unique color of the ash glaze brings out the color of the flowers and brings calm and gaiety to the space. In addition, due to its high artistic and practical nature, it is also an ideal gift, and the recipient will be delighted.
Yuichi Ikai's "Ash Glazed Sake Cup" is a piece that symbolizes the fusion of tradition and modernity. It is a piece that adds color to your daily life and whose appeal deepens with long-term use.
Yuichi Ikai Biography
1963 (1963)
Born into a pottery merchant in Gojozaka, Kyoto
1983 (1983)
Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training School, Molding Department
1984 (1984)
・Completed ceramics training at Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute
・Under the guidance of the late Mr. Uichi Shimizu, a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property,
June: Kihei Kiln opens (from the shop name, Kihei the Sixth)
・Studied under Uichi and Yasutaka Shimizu
1985 (1985)
・First time selected for the Japan Crafts Association Kinki Branch Exhibition (continuously selected thereafter)
・Participated in the Cheramista Exhibition
1986 (1986)
・First time selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
1987 (1987)
・Permitted to exhibit at the Family Exhibition, Horai-kai (Ikebukuro Seibu) and Uzuki-kai (Osaka Matsuzakaya)
・Received the Matsushita Award at the Japan Crafts Association Kinki Branch Exhibition
・Dog Exhibition: Leading the Way in Kyoto, Kyoto Daimaru
1988 (1988)
・Participation in Chabikai Kyoto Myrieme
1989 (1989)
・Founding of the Earth Children Association (named by Uichi Shimizu)
・Received the Encouragement Award at the Japan Crafts Association Kinki Branch Exhibition
1990 (1990)
・First solo exhibition at Kuroda Touen in Ginza
・Solo exhibition at Mizutama, Itabashi
1993 (1993)
・Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi, Osaka (continues to be held)
1994 (1994)
・Certified as a regular member of the Japan Crafts Association
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Kiyomizu, Matsuyama (will continue to be held in the future)
・Received the Encouragement Award at the Saga Daikakuji Flower Ceramics Exhibition
1995 (1995)
・Solo exhibition at Daimaru, Kyoto (still held afterwards)
・Solo exhibition at Hankyu Kobe (continues to be held)
1996 (1996)
・The workshop was moved to Hiyoshicho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture.
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Kurimoto, Nagaoka, Niigata (will continue to be held)
・Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramic Artists Living in Kyoto, Kyoto Daimaru
1997 (1997)
・Ceramics Three-person Exhibition, Shinjuku Isetan (Takahiro Kondo and Masahiko Ichino)
1998 (1998)
・Kyoto Talented Artists Exhibition, Hiroshima Sogo
1999 (1999)
・Solo exhibition at Shimonoseki Daimaru
2000 (2000)
・Solo exhibition at Yu, Tokyo Palace Hotel (will continue to be held in the future)
・Solo exhibition at Rakuchu Rakugai Gallery, Kyoto Kiyomizu-yaki Complex
・Exhibited at the Tsinghua University International Ceramic Exhibition in Beijing, China
2001 (2001)
・Received the highest award, the Kinki Prize, at the 30th Kinki Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Crafts
・Solo exhibition at Tenmaya, Mihara, Hiroshima
2002 (2002)
・Solo exhibition at Kogei Ima, Ginza, Tokyo
・Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Main Store, Nihonbashi, Tokyo
・CRIA Exhibition, Kyoto Art Center
2003 (2003)
・Received the Shiga Prefecture Board of Education Award at the 32nd Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition
・Ginza Kuroda Touen Celadon Exhibition (still held)
・Solo exhibition at Meitetsu Department Store, Nagoya
・Exhibited at the Contemporary Korean-Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition at the Kumho Museum of Art, Seoul
・Solo exhibition at Gion Konishi, Kyoto
2004 (2004)
・Appointed as a judge at the 33rd Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition
2005 (2005)
・Solo exhibition at Daimaru Art Gallery, Kyoto
・Specially selected for the 34th Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition
2006 (2006)
・Three Potters Exhibition, Kyoto Takashimaya
・Exhibited at the Contemporary Ceramic Artists Exhibition at Kobe Sogo
・Four Artists Exhibition at Nara Kintetsu
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Wada, Ishibekoji, Kyoto (will continue to be held)
・Solo exhibition at Dojima Gallery, Osaka (will continue to be held)
・Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Main Store Art Gallery, Nihonbashi, Tokyo
2007 (2007)
・Solo exhibition at Rokujido, Ninenzaka, Kyoto
・Solo exhibition at Keihan Department Store, Moriguchi, Osaka
・Climbing kiln construction
2008 (2008)
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Uko, Bashamichi, Yokohama
・Solo exhibition at Kintetsu Department Store, Saidaiji Temple, Nara
2009 (2009)
・Solo exhibition at Takashimaya, Kyoto
・Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Main Store Art Gallery, Nihonbashi, Tokyo
2010 (2010)
・Solo exhibition at Itabashi Zuigyoku (will continue to be held in the future)
2011 (2011)
・Solo exhibition at JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan, Umeda, Osaka
2012 (2012)
・Solo exhibition at Rokujido, Ninenzaka, Kyoto
・Solo exhibition at Fukuoka Mitsukoshi Department Store, Hakata
・Solo exhibition at Kairo Gallery Mon, Kasama, Ibaraki
2015 (2015)
・Solo exhibition at Hankyu Umeda Main Store, Osaka Umeda (will continue to be held)
2016 (2016)
・Solo exhibition at Atelier Hiro, Yodoyabashi, Osaka (will continue to be held)
2017 (2017)
・Established a workshop again in Gojozaka, Kyoto
2018 (2018)
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Yamazaki, Ningyocho, Nihonbashi, Tokyo (will continue to be held)
2022 (2022)
・Appointed as Secretary General of the Kinki Branch of the Japan Crafts Association, a public interest incorporated association
・Appointed as director of the Japan Crafts Association, a public interest incorporated association
・Appointed director of the Kyoto Ceramic Association, a general incorporated foundation
・Appointed as director of the general incorporated foundation KYOTO KILIN
・A pottery store that had been in business for generations on Gojozaka closed and began renovations
2023 (2023)
・As a showroom for "Tsuboya Kibe Kiln"
