ISHIDA Kazuya Black Rahō Spiral Cup (A)

Description

Ishida Kazuya’s black Rahō (螺法) spiral cup develops from his characteristic spiral forms, in which the high quality Bizen clay is accentuated through sea-snail-like movements and contrasted with a bold slip coating.

In this further development, the cups are deliberately smoked with charcoal during firing. This creates a deep black, matte surface that gives the vessel a reduced yet powerful presence, while also lending it a calm, restrained character.

Capacity approx. 250 ml.

ISHIDA KAZUYA

Spirals and Waves: A Portrait of Nature in the Bizen Style

Ishida Kazuya comes from a family of potters in Bizen. Bizen is one of Japan’s most important ceramic regions and is renowned for its unglazed, high-fired pottery.

For four years, Ishida Kazuya studied under Isezaki Jun, Bizen’s current Living National Treasure. His experience in the United Kingdom, where he worked with slip and slipware techniques, has also had a strong influence on his work. Ishida Kazuya developed a distinctive interpretation of the Bizen style, which he calls Rahō (螺法). The name is derived from spiral-shaped shells.

Indeed, his creations are deeply inspired by nature. Ishida-san is fascinated by the dynamic forms and movements found in ancient rocks and spiralling seashells, and he seeks to capture these patterns in his work. Firing in a traditional noborigama or anagama kiln adds further layers of complexity to each piece through the effects of flame and the natural deposition of wood ash.