Width: 18.6cm x 16.3cm Height: 18.7cm
The "White Glazed Flat Vase" by Yuichi Ikai is a masterpiece that is simple yet profoundly beautiful. This vase is characterized by the unique texture of the thickly applied glaze, which is made with a generous amount of white glaze. The white color is both pure and light, giving the viewer an elegant and refreshing impression.
The appeal of sculpture
The surface of the vase has been boldly carved out, bringing a sense of rhythm to the white glaze, which can often be monotonous. This carving gives the shape a three-dimensional appearance, and since its appearance changes depending on the angle of the light and the viewing position, it has a timeless appeal. The weightiness of the vase and the lightness of the white glaze are in perfect harmony, giving the design a strong presence while also blending into a variety of spaces, whether Japanese-style or Western-style.
Tradition and innovation in white glaze
White glaze is considered one of the most noble glazes for Japanese ceramics, yet difficult to handle. Yuichi Ikai has overcome this difficulty by applying it evenly and boldly over the entire pot, creating a moist texture and translucency. His technique goes beyond the boundaries of traditional ceramics and presents new possibilities for contemporary art.
As everyday beauty
The beauty of the "White Glazed Flat Pot" means that it can be used not only for decoration, but also as a flower vase or tea ceremony utensil. The simple shape and the purity of the white glaze make it suitable for everyday use, and you will discover new charms every time you use it.
This vase blends into everyday life, yet has the power to transform the place it is placed in into something special. Yuichi Ikai's "White Glazed Flat Vase" is truly a work worthy of being called a modern masterpiece.
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 Mizutama, Itabashi (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 as 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 closes and begins renovations
2023 (2023)
・As a showroom for "Tsuboya Kibe Kiln"
