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Iron glazed sake cup by Yuichi Ikai

Iron glazed sake cup by Yuichi Ikai

Regular price $173.00
Regular price Sale price $173.00
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Width: 8.7cm Height: 4.3cm

The "Iron Glazed Sake Cup" by Yuichi Ikai is a masterpiece that combines traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. 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 deep color unique to the iron glaze reflects the light beautifully, creating a high-quality atmosphere on the table.

The appeal and color expression of iron glazeThe iron glaze applied to this sake cup is characterized by its unique color, which is born from the iron contained in the glaze. The muted colors, such as deep black, brown, and dark brown, give the sake cup a sense of dignity and dignity. Ikai Yuichi has used a delicate blend of iron glaze and firing techniques to give the surface a rich expression. Depending on the amount of light and the viewing angle, you can enjoy the subtle changes in color and texture, so you can discover new beauty every time you pour sake.

A fusion of tradition and innovation Many masterpieces of iron-glazed pottery were created during the Song Dynasty in China, and it developed into a uniquely Oriental form of pottery known as Tenmoku. Its influence extended to Japan, where production flourished in Seto and other areas from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. With a deep understanding of this long history and tradition, we incorporate modern aesthetic sensibilities and ingenuity. While inheriting the traditional glazing technique, we seek out new ways of expression and create works of highly artistic quality.

Texture and feel: The surface of this sake cup is smooth, yet has an appealing texture that gives it the warmth of a handmade product. The moist luster of the iron glaze and the minute irregularities make it feel comfortable in the hand. The mouth is thin and delicately finished, making it smooth on the palate and enhancing the flavor of the sake. The base is also very stable, giving you a sense of security when using it on a table.

A work of art that is part of your everyday life has the power to elevate your everyday evening drink into a special moment. It is small and easy to hold, so you can feel comfort and joy every time you pick it up, and the beautiful reflection of the sake when poured provides visual enjoyment. In addition, its high artistic and practical qualities make it a great gift.

This sake cup can be used not only as a sake cup, but also as a mini flower vase for small flowers. The deep color of the iron glaze brings out the color of the flowers, bringing calm and elegance to the space. You can also add seasonal flowers to enjoy the atmosphere of each season.

Yuichi Ikai's "Iron Glazed Sake Cup" is a piece that combines respect for traditional techniques with a modern aesthetic sense, enriching the soul of the person who uses it. It will add a touch of quality to your daily life, and its appeal will deepen 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 (continues to be held)
・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"
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    Also, delivery times vary depending on the piece (vessel, etc.).

    Items that already come with a box will be shipped within 1-3 days of the order date.

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    Even products that look the same may differ slightly in color, shape, size, etc.
    The way the glaze is used, the power of the kiln, the firing method, the season, and the humidity also affect the appearance of the pottery.
    Please understand the individuality of each piece of pottery and enjoy the unique warmth of handmade.