Shuten will-Au "Signal"

This is a brand new sake cup, "Signal," from the will-Au series by Toru Ichikawa, who studied under Ryuichi Kakurezaki and made a sensational debut. Fresh from the kiln, this exceptionally original piece captures the essence of Ichikawa’s style, where his boundless ideas are given form through the supreme medium of clay. For this new "Signal" series, he pairs a pastel-colored *kairagi* (plum blossom crackle) glaze with gold leaf—as denoted by "Au" (Latin for gold)—creating a color scheme that is both opulent and pop-art inspired. The pastel pink *kairagi* glaze has a scale-like presence that accentuates the piece’s contours, lending it a remarkable three-dimensional quality. Conversely, the gold-leaf sections evoke the feeling of a sake cup cast from solid gold; the way this texture overlaps with the contrasting *kairagi* gives the piece an enigmatic appearance, as if gold bullion and leather have melted together. One cannot help but be amazed by Ichikawa’s technique, which creates not only a masterful color combination but also a compelling contrast in textures. (*Note: Due to the shape of the glaze on the foot, the cup may feel slightly unsteady when empty; it becomes stable when filled with sake.) Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 7.4cm × Diameter 7.1cm × Height 6.1cm Toru Ichikawa was born in Tokyo. He began his apprenticeship under Ryuichi Kakurezaki in June 2011 and established his own studio in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, in January 2015.