Yagyu ware 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 hometown of the master swordsman Yagyu family and its rich 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 Yagyu Jubei's grandmother, Harumomo Gozen, fired a horse-headed Kannon statue. After a period of interruption, the Ikura family's ancestors conducted research to revive the style, and it was finally completed as "Yagyu-yaki" during Kitaro's generation.

Beautiful contrast between the red and blue of cinnabar

The glaze used on this floral tea bowl features the vivid ruby-like crimson of cinnabar and the soft celadon color. The beautiful crimson of cinnabar leaves a strong impression on the viewer, and it shines like a jewel. Meanwhile, 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.

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

The floral motif on the tea bowl represents the flowers blooming in the fields of Yagyu, and beautifully reflects the beauty of nature. The design of this floral motif is a stylized illustration from a picture catalog of Yagyu Jubei's book on military strategy, "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 it gives the tea bowl an elegant beauty and serenity.

The revival of Yagyu ware and the skills of its craftsmen

Yagyu ware is a pottery that was revived after a long hiatus, and its revival required extraordinary effort and skill. This tea bowl by Kotaro Ikura is a masterpiece that respects tradition while incorporating modern sensibilities. The warmth of handmade items and the delicate expression of the floral motif breathe life into the tea bowl. "Yagyu ware floral motif tea bowl by Kotaro Ikura" is a work that reflects the nature and history of Yagyu, the home of sword masters. The bright red color of the cinnabar, the soft celadon glaze, and the floral motif design derived from Yagyu Jubei's military strategy book give the entire tea bowl an elegant and calm atmosphere. This tea bowl is a masterpiece that combines tradition and the beauty of nature, and is a piece that evokes the long history of Yagyu ware and the craftsmanship of its artisans.