26092 Ichino Masahiko Sake Cup (Black) ① Ichino Masahiko

Height 4.0cm
Width 7.3cm
Depth 6.5cm

Masahiko Ichino is a ceramic artist from Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture (now Tamba Sasayama City). While carrying on the traditions of Tamba ware, he creates unique, contemporary works that are highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad.

Awards and Recognition
Masahiko Ichino attracted considerable attention when, at the age of 34, he became the youngest winner in history to win the Grand Prix (Grand Prize and Prince Chichibu Cup) for his work "Kai" at the 13th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition in 1995. He has since received the Japan Ceramic Society Award and the Hyogo Prefecture Cultural Award, among other awards, and his talent has been recognized both in Japan and abroad. In 2011, he held a solo exhibition as the opening exhibition for the JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan Art Gallery.

Characteristics of the work
Tradition and Innovation
Masahiko Ichino's works are characterized by the fact that while he inherits the traditional techniques and local spirit of the ancient kiln Tamba ware, he also pursues new forms of aesthetic beauty.Many of his works are themed around the expression and texture of the clay, giving a sense of the vitality of nature.

Diversity of style
His works range from objets d'art and tea bowls to tableware for everyday use. In particular, his "Senmon-ki" (patterned vessels), with their beautiful contrast of red and black, are said to evoke a state of selflessness in the viewer. He also makes extensive use of Akadobe, a color with vermilion and purple hues that has been used in Tamba ware since the Edo period, giving his works a deep, beautiful presence.