Shuten "Glorious Transformation"

This is "Glorious Transformation," a 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, who translates his ceaseless flow of ideas into form through the sublime medium of clay. The title, "Transformation," reflects the dazzling, ever-changing array of vibrant glazes that one can enjoy. The base features his signature platinum glaze, complemented by the vivid blue glaze seen in his "Stairway to Blue" series. Added to this are vivid yellow and gold accents, creating a magnificent world of transformation through a color scheme that overflows with Ichikawa’s unique sense of style. At first glance, the combination of blue and vivid yellow might seem overly flashy, but the glaze tones are expertly balanced, avoiding any sense of disjointedness; rather, they harmonize as if they were always meant to be a set. While this piece features the same faceted (*shinogi*) styling as his previous work, it has a new, shorter profile, similar to a sake cup (*sakazuki*). Signed wooden box (four-way tenon)
Diameter 9.0cm x 8.6cm x Height 5.3cm Toru Ichikawa was born in Tokyo. He began his apprenticeship under Ryuichi Kakurezaki in June 2011 and became independent in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, in January 2015.