Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Crane-necked Vase by Toshio Ikura

Width: 10.8cm Height: 20.7cm

Introduction

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Crane-Necked Bottle" is a masterpiece that perfectly combines traditional Yagyu ware techniques with the beautiful red color of cinnabar. This elegant bottle with a long, slender neck exudes elegance, like a crane stretching its neck toward the sky, and has a presence that naturally harmonizes with traditional Japanese beauty, such as in the tea ceremony and flower arrangement.

The shape and elegance of the crane neck

This "Tsuru-Neck Vase" has a beautiful balance between its long, slender neck and slightly wide body, symbolizing the graceful figure of a crane. Its shape creates a unique silhouette depending on where it is displayed, giving the entire space a sophisticated atmosphere. The crane neck design has long been loved as one of Japan's traditional vessel shapes, but in Toshio Ikura's work, the shape is given a modern sophistication and beauty, giving it an even greater sense of dignity.

The History and Mysterious Color of Cinnabar

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Crane-Necked Vase" uses vibrant cinnabar applied using the advanced glazing techniques that the Ikura family is proud of. Cinnabar has been revered as a mystical presence since ancient times due to its beautiful red color and historical background. In particular, in China, it is also called "dragon's blood" and has a history of being prized by emperors and aristocrats as a symbol of immortality and protection from evil. Cinnabar is also known as "cinnabar" in the West, and due to its vivid vermilion color, it was highly valued as a pigment and decorative item in ancient Rome. The cinnabar glaze used on this crane-necked vase was carefully applied by Toshio Ikura's skilled techniques, and the thick layers of glaze create a deep color that draws the viewer in. The red of this cinnabar, which changes its expression subtly depending on how the light hits it, brings movement and vitality to a quiet space, capturing the viewer's heart.

The tradition of Yagyu ware and the skills of Toshio Ikura

Yagyu ware is known as a legendary pottery handed down in Yagyu, Nara, the home of the master swordsman. Its history dates back to when Yagyu Jubei's grandmother, Harumomo Gozen, fired a horse-headed Kannon statue, and the kiln, which had been discontinued for a long time, was revived by the Ikura family. While preserving its traditions, the family has produced unique works incorporating modern sensibilities. This "Cinnabar Crane-necked Vase" is a work that beautifully combines advanced glazing techniques with unique beauty of form. The design, which has been crafted with attention to detail, harmonizes not only with the shape of the vase, but also with the color of the cinnabar, resulting in a highly refined piece overall.

The practicality and beauty of the cinnabar crane-necked bottle

The Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Crane-Neck Vase is not only valuable as a work of art, but also has practical use as a flower vase. The long neck shape maintains a natural balance when flowers are arranged in it, further enhancing the beauty of the flowers. In addition, the vivid red color of the cinnabar harmonizes with the colors of the flowers, making it an impressive piece of interior decoration.

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Crane-necked Vase by Toshio Ikura" is a work that perfectly combines the beautiful red of the cinnabar with an elegant shape like a crane. It is a special vase that combines practicality and beauty, with outstanding craftsmanship and the tradition of Yagyu ware.

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.