BONSAI samurai tea bowl with floral motif by Kotaro Ikura

Width: 15.0cm Height: 7.3cm

The history and natural beauty of Yagyu ware

As its name suggests, the "Yagyu-yaki Grass and Flower Design Tea Bowl" is a handmade piece of pottery that reflects the home of the master swordsman, the Yagyu family, and its abundant nature. Yagyu-yaki is a type of "garden ware" that developed alongside the lives of feudal retainers, and is also known as "phantom pottery" because it was often fired for feudal lords and their families. Historically, Yagyu-yaki is said to have begun when Harumomo Gozen, the grandmother of Yagyu Jubei, fired a horse-headed Kannon statue. After a period of hiatus, the Ikura family conducted extensive research to revive the style, and it was finally completed as "Yagyu-yaki" during the generation of Kitaro.

Beautiful contrast of red and blue cinnabar

The glaze used on this floral tea bowl features the vibrant ruby-like crimson of cinnabar and the soft color of celadon. The beautiful crimson of cinnabar leaves a strong impression on the viewer, shining like a jewel. On the other hand, the blue glaze has a quiet, subdued beauty, and the contrast between the crimson and the tranquil blue brings harmony to the entire tea bowl. This color combination symbolizes the abundant nature of Yagyu and reflects its delicate beauty.

Flower crests and the book on military strategy "Tsuki no Myo"

The floral pattern on the tea bowl depicts the flowers blooming in the fields of Yagyu, beautifully reflecting the beauty of nature. This floral pattern is a design from a pictorial catalog of Yagyu Jubei's military strategy book, "Tsuki no Myo." "Tsuki no Myo" shows a deep understanding not only of swordsmanship but also of nature and aesthetics, and the design, inspired by this, gives the tea bowl an elegant beauty and serenity.

The revival of Yagyu ware and the skills of its artisans

Yagyu ware is a pottery style that has been revived after a long hiatus, and its revival required extraordinary effort and skill. This tea bowl, crafted by Kotaro Ikura, is a masterpiece that respects tradition while incorporating a modern sensibility. The warmth of a handmade piece and the delicate rendering of the floral motif breathe life into the bowl. The "Yagyu Ware Floral Design Tea Bowl by Kotaro Ikura" reflects the nature and history of Yagyu, the home of master swordsmen. The vibrant crimson of the cinnabar, the soft celadon glaze, and the floral motif design, inspired by Yagyu Jubei's military strategy book, give the entire bowl an elegant and serene atmosphere. This tea bowl is a masterpiece that combines tradition and the beauty of nature, and is a piece that embodies the long history and artisanal skill of Yagyu ware.