Ori sculpture vase (folds) by Yukiya Izumita

This vase, titled "Ori," which means "fold" in Japanese, is a work by master ceramicist Yukiya Izumita. A sculptural silhouette and raw lines that challenge and fascinate us, even though it is small in size, evoking the natural movement of rock strata.

The interplay between smooth surfaces and sharp edges gives the piece a mineral and organic aesthetic, in a wabi-sabi spirit. Its texture, deliberately irregular, highlights the deep brown shades typical of the clay used by the artist. The subtle balance between structure and spontaneity illustrates the technical mastery of Izumita san, who shapes his pieces by folding and superimposing the clay using a unique process.

Yukiya Izumita uses a distinctive technique of layering and folding layers of clay, creating a sense of relief and tension in the material. This process is inspired by origami, while remaining rooted in Japanese ceramic tradition. The clay he uses comes from the coastal beaches of Iwate Prefecture, where he lives. Rich in iron, it gives his works a grainy texture and deep color after firing at high temperatures. Izumita san exploits the roughness and mineral density of this earth to create expressive and textured pieces, preserving a fascinating and deeply Japanese raw surface. To discover more about his extraordinary work, you can watch this video .

Born in 1966 in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, Yukiya Izumita studied Kokuji-yaki ceramics under master Gakuho Shimodake. In 1995, he established his own studio in Noda-mura, where he developed a unique ceramic language, marked by research into material and form. His work has been widely recognized and awarded several times, such as the Excellence Award at the 20th Biennial Exhibition of Japanese Ceramic Art in 2009. His works are now held in prestigious collections, including the Yale University Art Gallery, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and his pieces have high value on the art market.

This vase is signed on its base (engraving) and is accompanied by its paulownia wood box (tomobako) bearing the inscription of the work, the signature and the official seal of the craftsman. A document (shiori) with the artist's profile is also included.

This work dates from the early 2000s and is in good condition, however, presenting some marks testifying to its history, without altering its beauty (small chips on one end of the vase, see photos), which allows for a measured investment for a renowned artist.