Shuten "Fusion"

This is "Fusion," a freshly kiln-fired sake cup by Toru Ichikawa, who made a striking debut after studying under Ryuichi Kakurezaki. It is a highly original and exceptional piece, characteristic of Ichikawa-sensei, who gives shape to his endless flow of ideas through the supreme medium of clay. The title "Fusion" reflects his challenge to achieve a new form of expression that goes beyond the mere combination of ceramics and metal. By layering Shino-style feldspar glaze with platinum and gold leaf, the piece evokes the atmosphere of distinct materials joined together while maintaining their individual identities, true to the title "Fusion." The pale orange hue of the feldspar glaze is reminiscent of human skin, and its contrast with the platinum and gold sections creates a mysterious allure, as if organic and inorganic substances have merged. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 9.0cm x 8.3cm x Height 7.0cm Toru Ichikawa was born in Tokyo. He began his apprenticeship under Ryuichi Kakurezaki in June 2011 and established his own studio in Tamano, Okayama Prefecture, in January 2015.