Hibiki Cinnabar Tea Bowl by Toshio Ikura

Width: 13.0cm Height: 7.5cm

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl" by Toshio Ikura is a matcha bowl characterized by its vivid and elegant red color. The vibrant color of the cinnabar, beautifully integrated into the traditional Yagyu Ware, brings new value to the tea ceremony, and its beauty captivates not only the user but also the viewer. The outstanding technique and aesthetic sense of ceramic artist Toshio Ikura are embodied in this elegant piece.

The History and Mysterious Color of Cinnabar

Cinnabar is a mineral named for its unique red hue and its long history and cultural background. Its name, derived from the Chinese word "cinnabar" (chen shā), refers to its star sign and its powdery form. Cinnabar was also called "dragon's blood" in ancient China, and its vibrant red color symbolized mystical powers. It was highly prized by emperors and aristocrats as a symbol of longevity and protection from evil. Cinnabar's red color adds a meaningful and spiritual depth to the tea ceremony. In the West, cinnabar is also known as "cinnabar," and has been used as a pigment and decorative element since ancient Roman times. Its vermilion color is highly valued and has held powerful symbolic meaning in many cultures, from ancient times to the present. Cinnabar's color symbolizes vitality, mystery, and nobility, and its creation in tea bowls brings this cultural background to the everyday tea ceremony.

Beautiful cinnabar red and elegance

Toshio Ikura's "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl" is a beautiful tea bowl in which the vibrant red of the cinnabar catches the light and shows subtle changes depending on the angle. This red is more than just a color; it reflects the history and spirituality embodied in the tea bowl. In a tea ceremony setting, the elegance emanating from the vibrant cinnabar enhances the tranquil Japanese atmosphere and captivates the viewer. Cinnabar has been considered a noble color since ancient times, and its red symbolizes strength and holiness. The cinnabar glaze used on this tea bowl is thickly layered yet transparent, giving it a powerful presence that draws the viewer in.

The tradition of Yagyu ware and the skills of the Ikura family

Toshio Ikura is a ceramic artist who continues to preserve the traditional Yagyu ware pottery handed down in the mountain village of Yagyu, the land of the sword saint in Nara. This tradition has its origins in the "mysterious pottery" said to have been made by Harumomo Gozen, the grandmother of Yagyu Jubei, and the Ikura family revived the kiln that had been discontinued for a long time. Toshio Ikura's technique and aesthetic sense have enabled him to masterfully handle the difficult glaze of cinnabar, and this tea bowl, which combines the tradition of Yagyu ware with a modern sensibility, is a true culmination of his skill and spirit.

Practicality and beauty as a tea bowl

The Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl is not only a beautiful piece of cinnabar red, but also has practical uses for the tea ceremony. Its shape fits comfortably in the hand and its delicate finish makes it pleasant to drink from, making it comfortable to use at tea ceremonies. Furthermore, its striking beauty adds vibrant color to the space of the tea room, creating a special atmosphere.

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl by Toshio Ikura" highlights the mysterious and powerful red color of cinnabar, and its historical background brings deep meaning to the world of tea ceremony. This tea bowl, which combines skilled techniques with the traditions of Yagyu ware, is a special piece with dignity and presence.

Toshio Ikura Born in 1938

[Awards]

・Governor's Award at the 27th Nara Prefectural Exhibition ・Selected for the 2nd Tenten Exhibition ・Nara Prefectural Art Association Encouragement Award ・4th place in the traditional crafts category at the Hometown Nara Contest ・Nara Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the Nara Prefecture Excellent Tourist Souvenir Recommendation Judging Committee ・Nara Chamber of Commerce and Industry President's Award at the Nara New Souvenir Exhibition ・Selected for the 34th Japan Folk Crafts Public Exhibition

[Affiliated organizations]

Organizer of the Nara Prefectural Art Association, the Nara Prefectural Crafts Association, and the Nara Prefectural Industrial Association Ceramic Arts Gathering "Touen"

[Teacher etc.]

Kitaro Ikura (father)
Successor: Kotaro Ikura

[Beliefs, way of life, etc.]

In the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu school of martial arts, we learn the spirit of "Katsujin-sword," which means not killing people but making the most of them, and of perpetual peace and coexistence and prosperity.