Illustrated
is a broad and generous Karatsu-kawakujira (whale's mouth) decorated guinomi by
Ikai Yuichi (b.1963). Ikai, a native of Kyoto and the Gojo-zaka
area first studied with Shimizu Yasutaka and then Ningen Kokuho, Shinizu Uiichi
before moving north of Kyoto to set up his Kihei-gama noborigama kiln where he
has honed his skills in both celadon and ash glazes. At just about four inches
across this guinomi is a handful and the pebbled, kairagi crawled surface just
adds to the pot making for a blend of sight, touch and taste while in use. With
many pots the sense of touch is overlooked but with a guinomi like this, Ikai
hasn't failed to include any of the senses from the view of the pot, the smell
and taste of the sake, the feel of the surface and the sound of the ubiquitous
toast; kanpai!
.JPG)