Width: 18.5cm x 15.5cm Height: 17.8cm
The "Ash Glazed Two-Color Leaf Design Flat Vase" by Yuichi Ikai is a piece that combines traditional techniques with a unique aesthetic sense. This vase features a rich green glaze, and its subdued color gives the viewer an impression of tranquility. The vase's flat shape is a modern revival of a form of pottery popular during the Joseon Dynasty, but Ikai's skillful technique expresses a new interpretation of classical beauty.
White clay and line carving techniques
The front and back of this flat jar are carefully painted with white clay, and the design is carved into it. To express the design, the base is slightly scraped away, which makes the design stand out and spreads a delicate beauty throughout the jar.
The harmony of ash glaze and iron glaze
The entire vase is covered in a transparent gray-blue glaze, which creates a natural gradation during firing. The color of this glaze further enhances the white clay and the carved lines, creating a harmonious overall piece. The surface pattern, reminiscent of the veins of a leaf, gives the vase a sense of life and symbolizes the beauty of nature.
The shape and tradition of flat pots
This flat jar is made by hammering a potter's wheel to flatten it. This shape was popular during the Joseon Dynasty, and Ikai has beautifully recreated this traditional style while incorporating a modern sensibility. The thick glaze applied to the gray base highlights the pattern and gives the jar a classical feel.
A piece that stands out in modern spaces
With its sophisticated design and deep color, the "Ash Glazed Two-Color Leaf Design Flat Vase" blends beautifully into modern spaces, whether Japanese or Western. While respecting tradition, this vase, which shines with Ikai Yuichi's unique sensibility, has the power to transform any space into something special, no matter where it is placed.
This work is a masterpiece born from a deep understanding of ceramics and a modern aesthetic sense, and its presence never ceases to captivate those who see it.
Yuichi Ikai Biography
1963 (1963)
・Born into a pottery merchant in Gojozaka, Kyoto
1983 (1983)
・Graduated from the molding department of Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training School
1984 (1984)
・Completed ceramics training at Kyoto Municipal Industrial Testing Center
・Under the guidance of the late Shimizu Uichi, a holder of important intangible cultural properties,
June: Kibei Kiln opens (from the shop name, Tsuboya Kibei the Sixth)
・Studied under Shimizu Uichi and Yasutaka
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)
・Participated in Chabikai Kyoto Myrieme
1989 (1989)
・Founding of the Earth Children Association (named by Shimizu Uichi)
・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 Itabashi Zuigoku
1993 (1993)
・Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi, Osaka (continues to be held)
1994 (1994)
・Certified as a full member of the Japan Kogei Association
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Kiyomizu, Matsuyama (continues to be held)
・Received an encouragement award at the Saga Daikakuji Temple 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)
・Workshop moved to Hiyoshicho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Kurimoto, Nagaoka, Niigata (continues 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 (continues to be held)
・Solo exhibition at Rakuchu Rakugai Gallery, Kyoto Kiyomizu-yaki Complex
・Exhibited at the Tsinghua University International Ceramic Art 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 Crafts Now in 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 Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition
・Ginza Kuroda Touen Celadon Exhibition (continues to be held)
・Solo exhibition at Meitetsu Department Store, Nagoya
・Exhibited at the Contemporary Korean-Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition, KUMHO Museum of Art, Seoul
・Solo exhibition at Gion Konishi, Kyoto
2004 (2004)
・Appointed as judge at the 33rd Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition
2005 (2005)
・Solo exhibition at Daimaru Art Gallery, Kyoto
・Specially selected for the 34th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition
2006 (2006)
・Three Ceramic Artists Exhibition, Kyoto Takashimaya
・Exhibited at the Contemporary Ceramic Artist Exhibition at Kobe Sogo
・Four Artists Exhibition Nara Kintetsu
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Wada, Ishibekoji, Kyoto (continues to be held)
・Solo exhibition at Dojima Gallery, Osaka (continues 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, Yokohama Bashamichi
・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 Zuigyoku, Itabashi (continues to be held)
2011 (2011)
・Solo exhibition at JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan, Umeda, Osaka
2012 (2012)
・Solo exhibition at Rokujido, Ninenzaka, Kyoto
・Solo exhibition at Fukuoka Mitsukoshi, Hakata
・Solo exhibition at Corridor Gallery Mon, Kasama, Ibaraki
2015 (2015)
・Solo exhibition at Hankyu Umeda Main Store, Osaka Umeda (continues to be held)
2016 (2016)
・Solo exhibition at Atelier Hiro, Yodoyabashi, Osaka (continues to be held)
2017 (2017)
・Established a workshop again in Gojozaka, Kyoto
2018 (2018)
・Solo exhibition at Gallery Yamazaki, Ningyocho, Nihonbashi, Tokyo (continues to be held)
2022 (Reiwa 4)
・Appointed Secretary General of the Kinki Branch of the Japan Kogei Association, a public interest incorporated association
・Appointed director of the Japan Kogei Association, a public interest incorporated association
・Appointed director of the Kyoto Ceramic Association, a general incorporated foundation
・Appointed as director of the Kyoto Kirin Foundation
・A pottery business that has been in business for generations in Gojozaka closes and begins renovations
2023 (Reiwa 5)
・"Tsuboya Kibe Kiln" showroom
A conversation with Yuichi Ikai
