For the first time in five years, we are delighted to present a solo exhibition by Ichikawa.
One of the most compelling qualities of his work is its striking, almost intoxicating elegance, born from the combination of the organic textures of kairagi glaze and the inorganic brilliance of gold and platinum decoration. Over the years, this quality has continued to gain remarkable depth. It is achieved through subtle adjustments—the color and tone of the glaze, the varying coarseness and fineness of the kairagi texture—as well as an increasingly diverse approach to form and design.
What I mean is this: it is easy to be captivated by the flamboyance of his work at first glance, but beneath that surface lies a beauty built upon remarkably delicate thought and structure. And discovering that is part of what makes his work so much fun.
Working with kintsugi has also made me think that perhaps human beings are instinctively drawn to the beauty of gold. Gold possesses, in a sense, an almost absolute beauty of its own. By bringing it together with ceramics, Ichikawa may have succeeded in revealing an entirely new dimension in both materials. After all, his ceramics look even cooler than a bar of gold.
This exhibition will once again feature new works ranging from tea wares and flower vessels to sake wares and tableware.
We very much hope you will come and see the exhibition.
