Bonsai grass fire pattern tea bowl by Toshio Ikura

Width: 13.9cm Height: 7.5cm

"Flower and Grass Design Tea Bowl" - a fusion of nature and tradition

The "Yagyu Ware Grass and Flower Design Tea Bowl" is a work by Toshio Ikura, and is an elegant and tranquil tea bowl that beautifully reflects the nature of Yagyu. Yagyu ware has been known as a "mysterious pottery" that has been produced in Yagyu since ancient times, and its origins have a deep connection to the Yagyu family. The grass and flower design on this tea bowl is based on the wildflowers that bloom in the fields of Yagyu, and it delicately expresses the beauty of nature.

Characteristics of Yagyu ware and floral designs

Using the cinnabar glaze characteristic of Yagyu ware, the vibrant crimson painted floral pattern is vividly expressed using exceptional techniques. Cinnabar glaze changes color subtly during the oxidation-reduction process, so achieving this requires the skilled technique of an artisan. On this tea bowl, the vibrant crimson color spreads across the entire bowl, within which the soft floral pattern quietly breathes. The painted floral pattern reflects the nature of Yagyu and harmonizes with the tranquility of the tea room, bringing a sense of peace to the user.

Yagyu's History and Tea Bowls

Yagyu ware is said to have been started by Yagyu Jubei's grandmother, Harumomo Gozen, but for a long time it was confined to the role of "garden ware" and was not widely known. However, thanks to the efforts of the predecessors of Ikura Toshio, this tradition was revived, and Yagyu ware is now attracting attention as a new craft. This tea bowl is a work that combines that historical background with modern sensibilities.

Traditional techniques and modern beauty

In creating tea bowls for tea ceremonies, Toshio Ikura remains faithful to the traditions of Yagyu ware while incorporating modern elements. This floral tea bowl also perfectly blends traditional techniques with modern beauty, revealing a new expression with each use. In particular, the color of the cinnabar and the delicate depiction of the floral pattern give the bowl a sense of tranquility and elegance, leaving a deep impression on the user. The "Yagyu Ware Floral Tea Bowl by Toshio Ikura" is a beautiful tea bowl that reflects the nature of Yagyu. The vibrant crimson color of the cinnabar glaze and the floral pattern featuring Yagyu wildflowers bring a natural tranquility and harmony to the tea room. This tea bowl, a fusion of skill and sensibility, is a masterpiece that fully expresses the charm of Yagyu ware, combining practicality as a tea utensil with sculptural beauty.

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.