Japanese Ceramic Rectangular Plate
This striking rectangular plate by Japanese ceramic artist Yuichi Ikai embodies a quiet balance between rustic simplicity and refined craftsmanship. Its elongated form is defined by softly articulated corners, lending the piece an architectural yet organic presence.
The surface is enveloped in a beautifully nuanced pale turquoise-green glaze, reminiscent of weathered copper and ancient celadon. Delicate variations in tone, scattered iron speckles, and areas of exposed dark clay create a richly textured surface that speaks to the unpredictable beauty of the firing process.
The underside reveals a generous expanse of unglazed, earthy brown clay, offering a compelling contrast to the luminous glazed surface above. This interplay between raw material and subtle coloration highlights Ikai's sensitivity to texture, proportion, and the natural character of clay.
Both sculptural and functional, the plate reflects a distinctly Japanese appreciation for imperfection, restraint, and the passage of time. Its understated elegance makes it equally compelling as a serving vessel or as a standalone ceramic object.
A quietly expressive work, distinguished by its beautiful glaze, tactile surface, and timeless character.
Dimensions: approx. W 9 " x L 5" x H .5"
Handcrafted in Kyoto, Japan.
About Yuichi Ikai: Kyoto ceramic artist Yuichi Ikai carries forward the rich legacy of Kyoto ware through a practice deeply rooted in tradition while guided by his own quiet aesthetic. Born into a family of pottery merchants in Kyoto's historic Gojozaka district—the heart of Kyoto's ceramic culture—Ikai grew up immersed in the world of clay before dedicating himself to becoming a maker. He trained at Kyoto's leading ceramic institutions and apprenticed under Living National Treasure Uichi Shimizu, later establishing Kihei Kiln (Kihei-gama) in 1984. Today, he serves as a director of the Kyoto Ceramic Art Association and is recognized as a full member of the Japan Kogei Association.
Working primarily with ash glazes, celadon, iron glazes, and white slip, Ikai creates vessels that embody the quiet elegance of everyday use. His work is characterized by restrained forms, subtle kiln effects, and surfaces that reveal the dialogue between clay, ash, and fire. Rather than seeking dramatic expression, his ceramics invite a slower appreciation, where beauty emerges through balance, warmth, and sincerity.
Ikai often speaks of pottery as the culmination of three elements: the sensibility he cultivated growing up in Kyoto's Gojozaka, the encounters with people and experiences throughout his life, and the techniques inherited from generations of master potters. Through refining these influences, he has developed an aesthetic that is distinctly his own. As he writes, "The message lies within. Each work reflects the 'present' moment in which it was created." His ceramics are not only vessels for use, but quiet expressions of time, memory, and the enduring spirit of Kyoto craftsmanship.
