Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Bottle by Toshio Ikura

Width: 11.3cm Height: 14.5cm

Introduction

The striking beauty of cinnabar and the tradition of Yagyu ware

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Bottle" is a work by Toshio Ikura, and is characterized by the depth rooted in the tradition of Yagyu Ware and the vivid red color of cinnabar. Cinnabar is a highly challenging glaze that tests the artist's skill and experience, as its unique color changes subtly depending on the temperature and oxidation-reduction conditions during firing. This cinnabar bottle fully demonstrates outstanding skill, and the entire piece is enveloped in a beautiful ruby-like red color.

The History of Yagyu Ware and New Challenges

The origins of Yagyu ware are said to date back to Harumomo Gozen, the grandmother of the swordsman Yagyu Jubei, and due to the nature of the feudal domain, it was only used as "garden ware" for a long time, and is therefore also known as "phantom pottery." However, the Ikura family has worked hard to revive it and continues to carry on the tradition. This cinnabar bottle is a work that respects the traditions of Yagyu ware, but also adds new expressions unique to Toshio Ikura.

The expressive power of cinnabar

In this cinnabar vase, the crimson color of the cinnabar spreads beautifully across the entire vase, and its vivid color has a quiet yet powerful presence. The subtle coloring of cinnabar means that no two pieces are the same, creating a different expression for each piece that has the power to draw the viewer in. This vase goes beyond its practical use as a vessel and also has a sculptural beauty, making it a work worthy of being appreciated as an ornamental piece.

Proven capabilities backed by awards

He has received numerous awards, including the Nara Prefecture Governor's Award. He has also been highly praised both at home and abroad, having been selected for the Japan Folk Crafts Public Exhibition, and his works are highly regarded for incorporating a modern aesthetic sense while inheriting the traditions of Yagyu ware. His pursuit of both traditional craftsmanship and artistry is evident in his works, and this cinnabar bottle is one such example.

Yagyu Military Strategy and the Spirit of "Kyujinken"

Toshio Ikura values ​​the spirit of "Kyujinsword" in the Yagyu Heiho Shinkage-ryu school of martial arts, and injects the spirit of coexistence and co-prosperity, of not killing but letting people live, into his work. This cinnabar bottle is not just a beautiful piece of pottery; behind it lies a spirit that symbolizes peace and harmony. By holding the piece in your hands, you can not only appreciate its beauty, but also its beliefs and way of life. "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Bottle by Toshio Ikura" is a vivid and powerful piece that combines the tradition of Yagyu ware with the red color of cinnabar. This piece, which is imbued with the spirit of "Kyujinsword" based on Yagyu Heiho and the solid technique backed by awards, is a masterpiece that deeply moves the viewer and gives a new sense of the appeal 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.