Shuten "Fusion"

This is a sake cup titled "Fusion" by Toru Ichikawa, who made a striking debut after studying under Ryuichi Kakurezaki. It is an exceptionally inventive work that reflects Ichikawa's signature style of giving form to his endless stream of ideas through the supreme medium of clay. The title "Fusion" reflects his endeavor to aim for a new level of expression that transcends the blending of ceramics and metal. By using Shino-style feldspar glaze alongside platinum and gold leaf, he has created an aesthetic that, true to the title, feels as if distinct materials have been joined together while maintaining their individual characters. The faint orange hue of the feldspar glaze evokes a skin-like quality, which, when combined with the platinum and gold elements, gives the piece a mysterious allure, as if organic and inorganic matter have merged into one. Signed box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 7.1cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 6.0cm 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.