blood red Cinnabar Bottle by Toshio Ikura

Width: 11.3cm Height: 14.5cm

The striking beauty of cinnabar and the tradition of Yagyu ware

The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Bottle" is a work by Toshio Ikura, characterized by the depth rooted in the tradition of Yagyu ware and the vivid red color of cinnabar. Cinnabar's unique color changes subtly depending on the temperature and oxidation-reduction conditions during firing, making it a highly challenging glaze that tests the artist's skill and experience. This cinnabar bottle fully demonstrates his outstanding skills, as the entire piece is enveloped in a beautiful ruby-like red color.

The history of Yagyu ware and new challenges

The origins of Yagyu ware are said to date back to Harumomo Gozen, the grandmother of the master swordsman Yagyu Jubei. Due to the nature of the feudal domain, it was not used for "garden ware" for a long time, and is therefore known as "a phantom pottery." However, the Ikura family has worked hard to revive it and has continued the tradition. This cinnabar bottle is a work that respects the traditions of Yagyu ware, while also adding new expressions unique to Toshio Ikura.

The expressive power of cinnabar

In this cinnabar vase, the crimson color of the cinnabar spreads beautifully across the entire vase, its vivid color emanating a quiet yet powerful presence. The subtle coloring of the cinnabar makes each piece unique, and it has the power to draw the viewer in. This vase goes beyond its mere practicality as a vessel and also possesses sculptural beauty, making it a work worthy of appreciation as a decorative piece.

Proven capabilities backed by awards

He has received numerous awards, including the Nara Prefectural Governor's Award. He has also been highly praised both at home and abroad, having been selected for the Japan Folk Crafts Exhibition, and his works are highly regarded for incorporating a modern aesthetic sensibility while carrying on the traditions of Yagyu ware. His attitude of pursuing both traditional craftsmanship and artistry is evident in his works, and this cinnabar bottle is one such example.

Yagyu military arts and the spirit of "Kyujin-sword"

Toshio Ikura values ​​the spirit of "Kyujinsetsu" (sword for life) in the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu school of martial arts, and injects the spirit of coexistence and co-prosperity, of not killing but surviving, into his work. This cinnabar bottle is not simply a beautiful piece of pottery; behind it lies a spirit that symbolizes peace and harmony. By holding a piece in your hands, you can not only appreciate its beauty, but also feel its beliefs and way of life. The "Yagyu Ware Cinnabar Bottle by Toshio Ikura" is a vibrant and powerful piece that combines the tradition of Yagyu ware with the crimson color of cinnabar. This piece, which combines the reliable techniques backed by awards and the spirit of "Kyujinsetsu" (sword for life) based on the Yagyu Ware, is a masterpiece that deeply moves the viewer and reveals a new charm of Yagyu ware.

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.