A Black “Prism” Guinomi by Ichikawa Tōru
- Artist:
- Ichikawa Tōru
- Era:
- Contemporary
- Price:
- SOLD
- Inquire:
- Contact gallery
- Similar artwork:
- Looking for something similar?
Scrawled across one face of the hand-crafted wood box housing this exquisite sake cup is the word “Prism,” perfectly encapsulating the inspiration for this angular and opaque work of modernist pottery. A creation of avant garde artist Ichikawa Tōru, a man who gave up his profession to pursue his passion, may it serve not only a work of functional art but also as a conversation piece with which to enjoy Japanese sake and other spirits.
Unlike the vast majority of well-known Japanese ceramicists, Ichikawa Toru (b. 1973) does not come from a line of generational potters but rather picked up the craft later in life, in his mid 30s. After taking a class in Bizen pottery, he found that he took to it naturally and proceeded to throw the entirety of his focus and energy into the work. Breaking from his previous profession in videography and design, he decided the rest of his life would be devoted to producing as many new and captivating forms in clay as he could conceive of. Considerably influenced by the work Kakurezaki Ryūichi who mentored him for a time, Ichikawa’s pieces tend towards angularity, rivulets of flowing glaze, intense color, with an overall modern and bold feel. Producing primarily sake cups and flasks, he combines rich Bizen clay and centuries old methods with glazes normally reserved for porcelain production to achieve extraordinary results.
In excellent condition this piece is 2.2 inches in diameter (5.5 cm) at its widest point, and stands 2.4 inches tall (6 cm). It comes with its original wood box signed and sealed by the artist (tomobako), a protective cloth, and an informational insert written in Japanese detailing the artist and the kiln. *** International shipping and insurance included in the price.
Contact the gallery
