Unique Surfaces

A Survey of Tokyo Ippodo Gallery Artists
January 12, 2021
Unique Surfaces

 

 

 Hideyuki Fujisawa

Yuteki Tenmoku Tea Bowl, 2020

Lacquer

H2 7/8 x W4 ¾ in, 

H7.2 x W12.2 cm

(C22101)

 

Hideyuki Fujisawa’s Yuteki Tenmoku Tea Bowl is a whimsical use of traditional lacquer materials to produce a composition that resembles the spontaneous streaking and pooling known as Hare’s Fur Glaze found in Tenmoku Tea Bowls. 

Made of lacquer, this tea bowl was made by brushing pure layers of lacquer over a carved wooden surface.

 

 

The form of the tea bowl, made from wood, was meant to mimic that of a thrown traditional tenmoku tea bowl, even the areas where the “glaze” pools towards the base of the piece is considered in its making. 

The use of Mother of Pearl is strategic. Placed around the piece, the surface becomes elegant and refined - reflecting light and creating a rich atmosphere. 

 

 

Tomoyuki Hoshino

Kasumi, 2020

Ceramic

H3 3/8 x W4 5/8 in, 

H8.5 x W11.8 cm

(C22083)

 

Hoshino’s Kasumi (Mist), is a marvel of contemporary ceramics.

The intelligent use of pairing color illustrates the title of the work beautifully. 

The highly texturized pink clay body with a thick, spotty, opaque white glaze over, creates the sense of fog or mist. This mist, washing over the surface, erases the definition and detail away, giving only hints to what lies beneath. 

 

 

The provocative textures of the piece invite the viewer to touch it and the sensual drip of glaze, running through the exposed clay surfaces, divides the space yet divides the viewer’s gaze to the textures of the exposed clay. The soft, bubblegum pink of the clay body is exciting and unique! This piece is a direct example of how traditional forms translate into the contemporary. 

 

 

Kodai Ujiie

Celadon and Lacquer Flower Vase

Ceramic

H6 ¼ x W5 3/8 x D4 ⅛ in, 

H15.8 x W13.7 x D10.4 cm

(C20809P)

 

Kodai Ujiie’s signature lacquer mishima shows again in this flower vase. A beautiful form, with a generous coat of robin’s egg celadon glaze, the piece is visually seductive. 

 

 

The gloss of the glaze pooling and dripping towards the sides of the vase, the decorative notches on the form, along with the casual and expressive height, the piece is inviting and captures artistic momentum. 

The striking red color of the lacquer fills the cracks of the surface and disrupts, yet harmonizes with the overall aesthetic of the piece. 

 

 

Kodai Ujiie

Seto Tea Bowl, 2020

Ceramic

H4 5/8 x W5 3/8 x D5 ⅛ in, 

H11.6 x W13.8 x D13 cm

(C21518P)

 

Kodai Ujiie’s Seto Tea Bowl is a refreshing piece in his collection. While shown apart from the signature celadon lacquer pieces, these still emphasize the same kinds of surface treatment and consideration as the other pieces. The rich terra cotta surface of the tea bowl challenges the eye to investigate its origin. The clay surface, this extremely textured dark brown clay with orange peel glaze, offers a nice contrast from the thick spill of brown glaze. 

 

 

The glaze, moving from inside the form and wrapping around the exterior surface, carries with it hints of copper glaze. The copper, like pools of water, blends with the overall iron glaze and creates landscapes on the clay surface. Cracking, peeling, pooling, and dripping, Ujiie’s Seto Bowl contains an entire universe in its form. 

 

 

Mahito Yoshida

鼠志野輪花鉢, 2019

Ceramic

H2 x W5 ½ in, 

H5 x W14 cm

(C20185P)

 

Mahito Yoshida’s small flower dish has a rich, creamy glazed surface. The thick brush strokes of glaze completely removes the bone white color of the porcelain underneath. Thrown on the wheel and then altered, the form is aesthetically symmetrical. The artist considered the lovely and subtle colors of the opaque glaze and kept the form simple yet not lazy. 

 

 

With it’s gentle color and luscious texture, the piece can sit in any collection.

 

For more information on these featured pieces, please email mail@ippodogallery.com or connect with us on social media!

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