Width: 11.4cm Height: 23.8cm
This piece leaves a strong impression with its powerful ash glaze . The deep green color was born from the natural changes that occur in the kiln, and it gives off a sense of vitality, as if the breath of the earth were dwelling directly in the piece. In particular, the color of this glaze changes subtly depending on the angle from which it is viewed and the amount of light it receives , and these changes give the piece movement. The engraved lines that cover the entire piece add a sense of rhythm to a surface that can often be monotonous , giving the impression that the power of nature has taken shape.
Its shape is substantial and its presence is overwhelming . Even without flowers inside, the vessel itself makes a quiet yet strong statement in the space. This single flower arrangement, created by Ikai Yuichi, has a simple form that eliminates waste, yet somehow exudes elegance . This bold design is imbued with traditional Japanese aesthetics , while at the same time blending it with a modern sensibility.
The simple yet refined beauty of this piece, without resorting to extravagance, inherits the spirit of Kyoto's traditional craftsmanship while also displaying Ikai's unique aesthetic . It is not only a vessel for arranging flowers, but is also attractive enough even without any decorations. Another attraction of this piece is that the expressive surface of the pottery will become more beautiful over time.
" Ash Glaze Carved Line Single Flower " is a work that beautifully combines the simple charm of pottery with meticulous craftsmanship . This piece, carefully fired by Ikai Yuichi, leaves a deep impression on the viewer , and its unique presence creates a special atmosphere simply by placing it in a space. This single flower, which has value as art beyond its original purpose of arranging flowers , is a piece that truly embodies the charm of pottery .
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