Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl by Toshio Ikura

Width: 13.0cm Height: 7.5cm

Introduction

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl" by Toshio Ikura is a matcha bowl characterized by its vivid and elegant red color. The vivid color of the cinnabar, beautifully blended 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 the potter Toshio Ikura are concentrated 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. The name comes from the Chinese word "cinnabar" (chen shā), with "chen" meaning star and "sand" meaning its powdered form. In ancient China, cinnabar was also called "dragon's blood" and its vivid red color was said to symbolize mystical powers, and was highly valued by emperors and aristocrats as a symbol of longevity and protection from evil. The red color of cinnabar gives a sense of meaning and spiritual depth to the tea ceremony. In the West, cinnabar is also known as "cinnabar" and has been used as a pigment and decoration since ancient Rome. Its vermilion color is highly valued and has a strong symbolic meaning in many cultures from ancient times to the present. Cinnabar's color symbolizes vitality, mystery, and nobility, and by forming it into a tea bowl, we can incorporate that cultural background into the everyday tea ceremony.

Beautiful cinnabar red and dignity

Toshio Ikura's "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl" is a beautiful tea bowl in which the vivid red color of cinnabar reflects the light and changes subtly depending on the angle. This red is not just a color, but reflects the history and spirituality contained in the tea bowl. In the tea ceremony, the dignity that the vivid cinnabar emanates enhances the quiet Japanese space 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 Nara, the land of the sword saint Yagyu. This tradition has its origins in the "phantom pottery" that is said to have been fired by Yagyu Jubei's grandmother, Harumomo Gozen, and the Ikura family revived the kiln that had been discontinued for a long time. Toshio Ikura's technique and aesthetic sense have made him masterfully handle the difficult glaze of cinnabar, and this tea bowl, which combines the tradition of Yagyu ware with a modern sensibility, is the culmination of his skill and spirit.

Practicality and beauty as a tea bowl

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Tea Bowl" is a work that not only has a beautiful cinnabar red color, but also has practical use for the tea ceremony. Its shape fits comfortably in the hand and its delicate finish makes it comfortable to use at tea ceremonies. In addition, its striking beauty adds a vibrant color to the space of the tea room, creating a special moment.

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 Souvenirs Recommendation Committee ・Nara Chamber of Commerce and Industry President's Award at the Nara New Souvenirs Exhibition ・Selected for the 34th Japan Folk Crafts Public Exhibition

[Affiliated Organizations]

Organizer of the Nara Prefecture Art Association, the Nara Prefecture Crafts Association, and the Nara Prefecture Industrial Association Ceramic Art 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 "the sword that saves lives," that is, not killing people but letting them live their lives, and of perpetual peace and coexistence and prosperity.