Ceramic lacquer vase by Syoudai Ichino

"Ceramic lacquer vase by Masahiro Ichino"

Height: 21.6 cm Width: 11.0 cm

I. Work Overview: The contrast between stillness and movement depicted in ceramic lacquerware

This is a ceramic lacquerware vase created by the talented Ichino Masahiro of Tamba Tachikui. Its elegant oval form is juxtaposed with a gently sloping boundary between the deep, jet-black and red clay bases, creating a unique landscape that blends tranquility and dynamism. The robustness of the ceramic base and the lustrous lacquerware create a masterpiece that beautifully embodies the contradictory beauty of "solid yet light" created by Japan's two most traditional materials.

II. Shape and Color: The beauty of blank space revealed through jet black and vermilion clay

Jet black section : The lacquer layer covering the upper half is made up of six layers of alternating clear and raw lacquer, giving it a glossy finish close to a mirror. The gloss, which reflects the light source, glides smoothly between your fingertips when you pick it up, providing an uplifting sensation both visually and tactilely.

Vermilion clay section : The lower half of the vase is intentionally left exposed, revealing the reddish iron clay characteristic of Tamba, preserving the roughness and breathability of the base material. The boundary with the jet-black section is not a sharp straight line, but a gently undulating one like the ridge of a mountain, creating a quiet movement and giving rhythm to the entire vase.

III. Technique explanation: The intricate process of fusing ceramics and lacquer

molding

The body is turned on a traditional left-handed kick wheel, and the rim is slightly curved outwards to allow for good flower placement.

Bisque firing and glaze firing

After bisque firing at approximately 900°C, the temperature is raised to 1,300°C in a climbing kiln and fired in a slightly reducing atmosphere, strengthening the clay body while ensuring the red clay color is brought out.

Lacquer base treatment

The upper part of the body is sealed and primed several times with abrasive powder and raw lacquer to improve adhesion between the base and the lacquer.

Lacquering and polishing

After each coat of clear lacquer, intermediate coat, and top coat, the lacquer is polished with charcoal to precisely control the gloss.

Freshly sown and dried

The pieces are dried slowly in a room while controlling the temperature and humidity, and then polished to a mirror finish.

It is rare for an artist to have a thorough understanding of the procedures for both pottery and lacquerware and to be able to complete the entire process in one place, and this style speaks to Ichino Masahiro's high level of overall craftsmanship.

IV. The philosophy of Ennengama - Entrusting "beautiful longevity" to clay and lacquer

Ennengama is founded on the words "Biien-nen" (prolonging one's life) given to us by the head priest of Shoren-in Temple in Kyoto - "the love of beauty extends one's life" - and aims to reflect the spirituality that lies within "beauty of utility" in our works. This work also embodies the prayer for "prolonging one's life" that will accompany those who view and use it for a long time.

Ⅴ. Masahiro Ichino's biography

Born in Tanba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture in 1993. The third generation of the Ichino family, a Tanba ware pottery manufacturer.

Graduated from the Ceramics Course of the Department of Crafts at Osaka University of Arts in 2015.

Established Ennengama in 2016, and launched an innovative series centered on ceramic lacquerware.

Selected for the Crafts category at the 2019 Hyogo Prefectural Exhibition.

In 2023, he held a solo exhibition entitled "New Frontiers in Ceramics and Lacquer," which received high praise from curators both in Japan and abroad.

While maintaining its roots in tradition, it actively explores the fusion of different materials such as lacquer, metal, and glass, and is attracting attention as a leader pioneering new horizons for Tamba Tachikui ware.

---

VI. Use and Appreciation: Stories Residing in Flowers and Space

As a flower vase : The opening is just narrow enough to hold a single flower or a large arrangement of branches. The vermilion clay base brings out the green of the flowers, and the jet black part embraces the shadows, adding to the three-dimensional effect.

As an interior decoration : It is the perfect accent for modern spaces, regardless of whether they are Japanese or Western. When a spotlight is shone on it, the lacquered surface reflects the light like a mirror, reflecting the colors of the surrounding area.

Changes over time : The lacquer will become more transparent and lustrous over time, and the red clay will acquire a tannin-like patina from the oils of hands and the environment. This piece will grow and develop over time, allowing you to enjoy it for many years to come.

---

VII. Collectible Value: The Rarity of a "One-of-a-Kind"

Large ceramic lacquerware vases are difficult to produce and maintain, and their distribution on the market is extremely limited. This work, considered a representative work from the artist's early years, could become an important benchmark for tracing the artist's history in the future. It is a highly valuable piece not only for museums and galleries, but also for private collections.

---

In conclusion

The "Ceramic Lacquer Vase by Ichino Masahiro" is a one-of-a-kind work of art that combines the red clay of Tamba Tachikui with the deep luster of Japanese lacquerware. The moment you place the flowers in it, or when you happen to look at it, the scenery reflected in the jet black and the warmth of the crimson clay resonate, elevating your everyday space to an exceptional stage. Please take it into your hands and enjoy the texture that deepens with age and the spirit of "beauty and longevity."