Vermilion Clay Sake Cup

This is a new *shudei-sai* (vermilion clay with color) sake cup by Toru Ichikawa, who made a striking debut after studying under Ryuichi Kakurezaki. While one is immediately drawn to its inventive, avant-garde design, holding it reveals the immense passion he pours into expressing the beauty of the clay itself. Creating these beautiful curves and sharp edges requires a profound understanding of the material's properties, coupled with an incredible amount of time and meticulous effort; it is a piece born from forging the clay with the unwavering focus of a swordsmith. Titled *Shudei-sai*, this work features intricate painting reminiscent of Narumi Oribe set against the vibrant color of the vermilion clay. He has brilliantly incorporated the three colors of red, black, and white—long beloved by the Japanese people—into this avant-garde form.

View blog post on Toru Ichikawa's new work Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 5.8cm x Diameter 5.5cm x Height 7.0cm Toru Ichikawa was born in Tokyo. He began studying under Ryuichi Kakurezaki in June 2011 and established his own studio in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, in January 2015.