Yagyu ware grass fire pattern tea bowl by Toshio Ikura

Width: 13.9cm Height: 7.5cm

Introduction

"Flower and Grass Design Tea Bowl" - A fusion of nature and tradition

The "Yagyu Ware Flower and Grass Design Tea Bowl" is a work by Toshio Ikura, and is an elegant and tranquil tea bowl that beautifully reflects the nature of Yagyu. Yagyu Ware has been called "the legendary pottery" that has been made in Yagyu since ancient times, and its origins have a deep connection to the Yagyu family. The flower and grass design on this tea bowl is based on the wildflowers that bloom in the fields of Yagyu, and delicately expresses the beauty of nature.

Characteristics of Yagyu ware and floral patterns

Using the cinnabar glaze, a characteristic of Yagyu ware, the floral motif is vividly expressed with brilliant red color using outstanding techniques. Cinnabar glaze changes color subtly through the process of oxidation and reduction, so the artisan's skilled technique is required to complete it. In this tea bowl, the brilliant red color spreads across the entire bowl, and the soft floral motif quietly lives within it. The painted floral motif reflects the nature of Yagyu and harmonizes with the tranquility of the tea room, giving the user a sense of peace.

History of Yagyu and Tea Bowls

Yagyu ware is said to have been started by Yagyu Jubei's grandmother, Harumomo Gozen, but for a long time it was limited to the role of "garden ware" and was not widely known. However, thanks to the efforts of the predecessors of Toshio Ikura, this tradition was revived, and Yagyu ware is now attracting attention as a new craft. This tea bowl is a work that combines its historical background with modern sensibility.

Traditional techniques and modern beauty

When creating tea bowls for tea ceremonies, Toshio Ikura incorporates modern elements while remaining faithful to the traditions of Yagyu ware. This tea bowl with floral motifs also has an exquisite harmony between traditional techniques and modern beauty, and shows a new expression every time it is used. In particular, the color of the cinnabar and the delicate depiction of the floral motif give the entire tea bowl a sense of tranquility and splendor, leaving a deep impression on the user. "Yagyu-yaki floral motif tea bowl by Toshio Ikura" is a beautiful tea bowl that reflects the nature of Yagyu. The vivid red color of the cinnabar glaze and the floral motif based on Yagyu wildflowers bring natural tranquility and harmony to the tea room. This tea bowl, which combines technology and sensibility, is a masterpiece that fully expresses the charm of Yagyu ware, combining practicality as a tea ceremonial tool with sculptural beauty.

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.