Width: 18.5cm x 15.5cm Height: 17.8cm
The "Grey Glazed Two-Color Leaf Pattern Flat Vase" by Ikai Yuichi is a piece that combines traditional techniques with a unique aesthetic sense. This vase features a rich green glaze, and its calm color gives the viewer a tranquil impression. The flat shape of the vase is a modern revival of a form of pottery that was popular during the Joseon Dynasty, but Ikai's skillful technique gives a new interpretation of classical beauty.
White clay and line engraving techniques
The front and back of this flat jar are carefully painted with white clay, on which the pattern is engraved. In order to express the pattern, the base is slightly scraped off, which makes the pattern 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 line-carved patterns, creating a harmonious whole. The surface pattern, which resembles the veins of a leaf, gives the vase a sense of life and symbolizes the beauty of the natural world.
Shape and tradition of flat pots
This flat jar is made by hammering a potter's wheel to flatten it. This shape was one of the vessels 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 makes the pattern stand out, giving the whole jar a classical feel.
A piece that stands out in modern spaces
The sophisticated design and deep color of the "Hai-Yu Nisai Leaf Pattern Flat Vase" blends beautifully into modern spaces, whether Japanese-style or Western-style. While respecting tradition, this vase, which reflects Yuichi Ikai's unique sensibility, has the power to transform any space into something special.
This work is a masterpiece born from a deep understanding of ceramics and a modern aesthetic sense, and its presence never fails to captivate those who see it.
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"
