Sculptural Elegance in Clay – A Bold Fusion of Form and Texture Description: This work is a highly artistic tokkuri (sake flask) titled “Hagakure Kohiki Tokkuri,” created by contemporary ceramic artist Toru Ichikawa. It is a one-of-a-kind piece that could only have been made by Ichikawa, in which traditional Japanese ceramic techniques are fused with an innovative and avant-garde sensibility. The white kohiki glaze applied to the sharply faceted form has a matte, warm appearance that accentuates the texture of the clay. Bold strokes of gold and red glaze run across the surface like the brushwork of an abstract painting, full of dynamism and leaving a powerful impression on the viewer. Its irregular yet carefully calculated shape and decoration embody the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi while at the same time pulsing with the energy of contemporary art. The three-dimensional composition reveals a different expression from every angle, giving it excellent visual appeal and making it valuable not only as a sake vessel but also as a work of fine art. The unglazed, high-fired base conveys the inherent strength of the clay itself. The mouth of the flask is smoothly formed and glazed, showing consideration for practical usability as well. The piece comes with the artist-signed original wooden box, a dark navy cloth, and an insert paper, all of which attest to its authenticity and rarity. It is a must-have work for collectors of contemporary ceramics, enthusiasts of fine sake ware, or anyone seeking a unique art piece.​ Cultural & Art Context: This piece embodies the artistic evolution of Toru Ichikawa, who has elevated the historic traditions of Bizen ware from Okayama into contemporary ceramics. In addition to the kohiki technique developed during the Momoyama period, the use of gold and red glazes serves as a bridge between the history of Japanese ceramics and modern art.​ The title “Hagakure” evokes a uniquely Japanese aesthetic consciousness, suggesting “that which is hidden in the shadows of leaves” or “beauty found in transience,” deeply resonating with the spirit of wabi-sabi. It is a work that evokes a dialogue between past and present, stillness and movement, refinement and rawness.​ Collector Appeal: This piece is a one-of-a-kind work by Toru Ichikawa, a leading figure in contemporary ceramics, offering collectors a rare opportunity for acquisition. Its form-breaking sculptural power and overwhelming glaze expression have earned high acclaim from collectors both in Japan and internationally.​ This tokkuri transcends its function as a sake vessel, standing firmly as a sculptural artwork. Accompanied by the artist-signed original wooden box and insert paper, it combines proven authenticity with strong future value. Dimensions: Diameter: 8cm Height: 15 cm Weight: 501 g Condition: No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile: About the Artist Toru Ichikawa was born in Tokyo in 1973. He began studying under the renowned Bizen potter Ryuichi Kakurezaki in 2011, immersing himself in a ceramic expression that fuses the traditions of ancient kilns with a contemporary sensibility. In 2015 he established his own kiln in Tamano, Okayama Prefecture, and since then he has held numerous solo and group exhibitions at major department stores such as Nihombashi Takashimaya, Yokohama Takashimaya, Daimaru Osaka and Tenmaya, quickly gaining nationwide recognition.​ Using Bizen clay as a base, Ichikawa combines minerals and metal oxides of his own formulation to boldly control kiln effects and colour, achieving dramatic surfaces that defy the conventional image of clay. His works, which unite traditional unglazed firing with deep black reminiscent of tenmoku and metallic, lustrous skins, are highly regarded by collectors in Japan and abroad for their layered textures and powerful, sculptural forms.​ In 2017, Ichikawa presented a black tenmoku tea bowl titled “Kagutsuchi” to Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja) on the occasion of its Shikinen Sengu (periodic shrine rebuilding), an unusual honour for a contemporary artist. He has also actively participated in international art fairs such as Art Fair Tokyo, Art Beijing, Revelations in Paris, Asia Contemporary Art Show in Hong Kong, and Art Fair Asia Fukuoka, further consolidating his international reputation.​ Ichikawa himself regards the act of creation as a “thirst for freedom”, consciously condensing his inner conflict and energy into form and surface. His tea bowls, sake vessels and sculptural pieces possess a presence that transcends mere functionality and can be appreciated as contemporary art.​ Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding. Customs Communication Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties). 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