DESCRIPTION This piece is extremely beautiful and has an overwhelming presence. Good condition Toru Ichikawa, born in 1973, is an up-and-coming popular ceramist. He studied under the world-renowned and unique Bizen ware artist, Ryuichi Kakurezaki, and became independent in 2015. Ichikawa has liberated Bizen ware from the concepts that have traditionally confined it, infusing it with a dynamic beauty that connects it to contemporary society and life. Ichikawa, who has been conscious of a sense of restriction since his childhood, says, "Above all, I wanted to be free. I was in a situation where I felt an incredible sense of restriction from the influence of the social environment and the structure of society, and I was always seeking freedom." This desire may have led him to break away from styles that rigidly adhere to form and tradition, venturing into production methods and expressions that no one else has dared to try. He describes his own style as follows: Bizen-yaki was born in the province of Bizen in Okayama prefecture. It is one of the oldest styles among Japanese pottery, with its art continuing since the early Middle Ages. I use the original clay of Bizen and then mix it to get the best material for my creations. My admiration for beauty never accepts an easy path, even if it takes a lot of time and work to obtain good material. Mixing clay with certain minerals and metallic oxides gives me satisfaction today; I was finally successful in obtaining a colorful work of art. The nice match between clay and art is the fruit of my hard work, experimentation, and numerous tries. The depth of the color, the plasticity... After a lifetime dedicated to transforming clay into art, I am honored to invite you to come and admire the original beauty of Bizen clay. NOITICE The lot will be carefully packaged and sent with registered post. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the percel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate for your cooperation.