R432 Shuten Black Carbonization

This is a new work, R432 Sake Cup Black Carbonization, by Toru Ichikawa, who made a striking debut after studying under Ryuichi Kakurezaki. While one is immediately drawn to the avant-garde design overflowing with originality, holding it in one's hands reveals the tremendous passion poured into expressing the beauty of the material that is clay. To achieve these beautiful curves and edges, the artist must understand the nature of the clay and commit an incredible amount of time and effort to the finishing process; the piece was born from single-mindedly forging the clay, much like a swordsmith. Its unique form is reminiscent of a rosebud beginning to open, showcasing a new side of Ichikawa-sensei’s expression—one centered on the potter’s wheel where he wields his spatula like a woodcarving chisel. The independently developed R432 glaze yields a deep, clear black, which pairs perfectly with the carbonized black-silver surface that is lightly draped in silver. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 6.3cm x Diameter 6.0cm x Height 8.5cm Toru Ichikawa was born in Tokyo. He began studying under Ryuichi Kakurezaki in June 2011 and became independent in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, in January 2015.