Nara water jar with floral design by Toshio Ikura

Width: 18.0cm x 15.6cm Height: 16.2cm

A fusion of Yagyu ware's earthenware and floral patterns

The "Yagyu Ware Water Jar with Floral Design" is a piece that beautifully combines the fine earthenware quality unique to Yagyu ware with the floral designs painted in cinnabar. This water jar, fired using traditional techniques and featuring the unique texture of the clay harvested from Yagyu, conveys its weight and natural texture at a glance. The floral design, painted in the vibrant red of cinnabar, has an elegant and understated beauty that draws the viewer's eye yet is not too assertive, emanating a quiet presence.

A work that breathes the beauty of wildflowers

This water jar is meticulously painted with flowers blooming in the fields of Yagyu, quietly breathing the beauty of nature. The contrast between the vibrant red of the cinnabar and the earthiness of the Yagyu wood gives the piece depth and makes the flowers seem almost alive. The wildflower design has a tranquil beauty that evokes the spirit of wabi-sabi, bringing a moist atmosphere to the tea room.

A floral addition to the tea room

This water jar has a presence that brings a dignified beauty to the space of a tea room. The natural earthenware color that is characteristic of Yagyu ware and the vivid floral design of cinnabar add a touch of elegance to the tea room, while maintaining a quiet and understated beauty overall. Like wildflowers blooming at a tea ceremony, this water jar brings natural color to the tea ceremony and is an item with an appearance that exudes dignity.

Craftsmanship and the Tradition of Yagyu Ware

This water jar by Ikura Toshio preserves the traditional techniques of Yagyu ware while exploring new beauty as a contemporary piece. Its design, which conveys the warmth of handwork, and the delicate techniques incorporated into the floral design, are a masterpiece that brings together the history of Yagyu ware and the skill of artisans. Placing this water jar at a tea ceremony will infuse the entire tea room with a sense of calm and elegance, creating a special moment. The Yagyu clay and floral design created by cinnabar create an elegant and striking water jar. Quietly expressing the beauty of nature and adding a touch of elegance to the tea room, this piece is a wonderful fusion of the traditions of Yagyu ware and the skill of artisans. Its quiet yet powerful presence will further enhance any tea ceremony.

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.