Japanese Ash-Glazed Kataguchi Pouring Vessel
Meet the Japanese Ash-Glazed Kataguchi Pouring Vessel, wheel thrown and handcrafted by Yuichi Ikai in Kyoto, Japan.
Its softly rounded form rests comfortably in the hand, while the gently pinched spout allows for a smooth, controlled pour.
Finished in a soft ash-gray glaze with fine iron speckling and warm ivory undertones, the surface reveals subtle variations created during firing, lending each piece its own unique character. The unglazed foot and softly defined rim provide a gentle contrast, highlighting the natural warmth of the clay beneath.
Traditionally used for serving sake, dashi, or tea, the kataguchi is equally at home on a contemporary table, as a cream pitcher, sauce server, or small vessel for shared meals. A timeless expression of Japanese craftsmanship, it is designed to be both practical and quietly beautiful in daily use.
Dimensions: approx. W 3.75" including the spout x W 3.25" x H 3.5"
Handcrafted in Kyoto, Japan.
About Yuichi Ikai: Yuichi Ikai is a Kyoto-based ceramic artist whose work reflects the quiet refinement of the city’s centuries-old ceramic tradition. Born into a family of ceramic merchants in Kyoto’s historic Gojozaka district, he was immersed in the world of pottery from an early age. After formal training in ceramics, he apprenticed under Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi, whose disciplined approach to form and glaze continues to influence his practice.
Working from his studio in Kyoto, Ikai creates vessels that balance technical precision with understated beauty. His work embraces the subtle character of ash glazes, iron glazes, celadon, and kohiki, allowing natural variations in texture and tone to emerge through the firing process. Rather than seeking dramatic effects, his ceramics invite quiet appreciation, revealing their depth through daily use.
In addition to his studio practice, Ikai serves as a director of the Kyoto Ceramic Association, contributing to the preservation and continued evolution of Kyoto’s rich ceramic heritage.
