Yagyu-yaki water jar with floral design by Toshio Ikura

Width: 18.0cm x 15.6cm Height: 16.2cm

Introduction

The fusion of Yagyu ware's earthenware and floral patterns

The "Yagyu Ware Floral Design Water Jar" is a piece that perfectly harmonizes the fine earthenware quality that is unique to Yagyu Ware with the floral designs painted with 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 designs painted with the vivid red of cinnabar have an elegant and understated beauty, drawing the viewer's eye while not being too assertive, emanating a quiet presence.

A work that brings to life 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 vivid red color of the cinnabar and the earthy texture of the Yagyu wood gives the work depth and makes the flowers seem as if they are alive. The wildflower pattern 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 dignified beauty to the space of a tea room. The natural earthenware color and vivid floral design of the cinnabar, characteristic of Yagyu ware, add a touch of gaiety 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 exudes a dignified presence.

Craftsmanship and the Tradition of Yagyu Ware

This water jar by Toshio Ikura preserves the traditional techniques of Yagyu ware while exploring new beauty as a work that lives in the modern era. The shape exudes the warmth of handwork, and the delicate technique incorporated into the floral pattern is a masterpiece that brings together the history of Yagyu ware and the craftsmanship of the artisans. Placing this water jar at a tea ceremony will spread calm and elegance throughout the tea room, creating a special moment. The water jar is elegant and has a strong presence, woven with Yagyu earthenware and floral patterns made of cinnabar. This piece quietly expresses the beauty of nature and adds a touch of flower to the tea room, making it a masterpiece that beautifully combines the tradition of Yagyu ware with the craftsmanship of the artisans. Its quiet yet powerful presence will further enhance your 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 Souvenirs Recommendation Committee ・Nara Chamber of Commerce and Industry President's Award at the Nara New Souvenirs Exhibition ・Selected for the 34th Japan Folk Crafts Public Exhibition

[Affiliated Organizations]

Organizer of the Nara Prefecture Art Association, the Nara Prefecture Crafts Association, and the Nara Prefecture Industrial Association Ceramic Art 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 "the sword that saves lives," that is, not killing people but letting them live their lives, and of perpetual peace and coexistence and prosperity.