Ash-glazed sake cup by Yuichi Ikai

Width: 7.1cm Height: 6.0cm

Rough and artistic design that fits comfortably in your hand

The roughness of Yuichi Ikai's "Ash Glazed Sake Cup" is felt the moment you hold it in your hand, further highlighting the beauty of the vessel. Despite the small size of the sake cup, the bold shape is enjoyable both visually and tactilely. This shape, which is delicately handcrafted yet exudes strength and simplicity, reflects Ikai's unique worldview.

Versatility and artistic beauty

This sake cup is versatile enough to be used as a vase for a single flower, and is useful not only as a sake vessel but also as interior decoration. This vessel, which can be adapted for various purposes, has an artistic beauty that shows a different face each time it is used. As a work that combines Japanese tradition and modern beauty , Ikai's aesthetic sense stands out.

Elegant pottery that evokes history

This piece strongly evokes Kyoto's ancient history and culture. Ash-glazed pottery is a technique that has been used since ancient times, and Ikai has breathed new life into it. The unique color and texture of the surface created by the glaze exudes a timeless elegance and a sense of enduring beauty .

The History and Tradition of "Sake Cups"

The word "sake cup" is deeply rooted in Japan's ancient history . The term "sake bowl" can be found in the Engishiki, written in the mid-Heian period, and also appears in the Ritsuryo Code, a set of laws from the Nara and Heian periods. At the time, vessels called "tsuki" were used for a variety of foods and drinks, and vessels were not limited to specific uses. In the Muromachi period, with the development of lacquerware , the uses of sake cups and tableware became clearly differentiated, and sake cups became established as special vessels for enjoying sake.

The charm and new beauty of ash glaze

"Ash glaze" is the most basic glaze made from plant ashes, and has been widely used from ancient times to the present. Ikai's "Ash Glaze Sake Cup" is a work that breathes new beauty into Kyoto, and by applying a glaze to the surface of the pottery, durability and decorativeness are perfectly combined. The smooth luster and depth of color of the ash glaze give the sake cup an even richer expression, providing a special experience for the user. Ikai Yuichi's "Ash Glaze Sake Cup" is a unique work with roughness that fits in the hand , bold beauty of form , and versatility. Along with the historical background, the beauty of the ash glaze that has continued since ancient times is expressed in a new form, beautifully fusing Kyoto tradition with modern sensibilities. This work, which can be said to be a symbol of Japanese elegant pottery, is loved both at home and abroad as a masterpiece that makes use of classical techniques in the modern era.