Hello everyone, how are you doing?
Today, I would like to introduce the latest works by Toru Ichikawa that have just arrived.
While I have previously introduced Mr. Ichikawa’s sake cups on our website several times,
the pieces I am introducing today are three katakuchi (sake pouring vessels) in platinum glaze, gold glaze, and R432 black carbonized glaze.
From left: Platinum-glazed katakuchi, gold-glazed katakuchi, and R432 black carbonized katakuchi.
With Mr. Ichikawa's works, one’s eyes are often drawn to their eccentric forms,
but I believe the true essence lies in his meticulous craftsmanship, which is so thorough that it could even be called earthy or grounded.
You can see his commitment to detail—never compromising on the stroke of a spatula, the flow of glaze, the texture of scraping marks, or how the edges are formed.
Each piece is created with a different theme,
and even with the same type of glaze, he often aims for different expressions.
Although the three pieces in the photo above share a similar silhouette,
the treatment of the finer details and the resulting visual impact differ significantly.
While they are ultimately all classified as "katakuchi sake pourers,"
I believe the impression you receive when you hold them in your hands is quite different.
This meticulous and energetic approach to pottery is a natural talent of his;
it even carries an intensity reminiscent of the ancient artisans known for their eerie, life-like detail.
The phrase "the most challenging and avant-garde craftsmanship in history" seems perfectly fitting.
Mr. Ichikawa’s works appear to faithfully execute the fundamental act of fine craftsmanship: "giving rise to form."
The "beautiful fractures," "beautiful weathering," and "beautiful standing figures" he has envisioned within himself—
the process of projecting those internal pieces onto clay and giving them three-dimensional form is nothing short of true craftsmanship.
Platinum Glaze
The surface has platinum glaze splattered on it, while the inside is poured with glaze to allow one to enjoy the cracks (kannyu) and color tones.
The platinum glaze harmonizes beautifully with the outer form, which looks as if metal has been torn apart.
The treatment of the outer rim, which appears to have a high degree of spontaneity, is masterful in that it leaves no traces of human hands, making it look as if it tore on its own due to metal fatigue.
Gold Glaze Katakuchi
This is the gold-glazed katakuchi. Like the platinum version, the surface has gold glaze splattered over it,
while the interior features a very voluminous, poured-glaze effect.
The gold glaze on the surface is slightly bubbly and matte,
whereas the thick gold glaze on the inside creates a luminous appearance as the layers of gold face one another.
R432 Black Carbonized Katakuchi
This piece uses a glaze inspired by R432 luster glaze, creating a black-silver appearance through carbonization.
R432 incorporates shades of black, blue, and green, and the colors change subtly depending on the viewing angle and lighting.
The form of this piece also differs significantly from the previous two, with a more angular, sharp structure.
The vertical lines originating from the base and the horizontal lines wrapping around the body harmonize with the black carbonization.
(Toru Ichikawa / Various new katakuchi pieces - Custom wooden boxes currently in production)
Platinum-glazed katakuchi - size: 14.8cm diameter x 10.5cm diameter x 10.1cm height x approx. 150cc capacity - price: Sold
Gold-glazed katakuchi - size: 15.8cm diameter x 10.5cm diameter x 9.7cm height x approx. 150cc capacity - price: Sold
R432 black carbonized katakuchi - size: 15.0cm diameter x 10.5cm diameter x 9.9cm height x approx. 120cc capacity - price: Sold
Please contact us below for detailed images or other inquiries regarding the works.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Clicking will open your email client)