Egg Mug Aquamarine - Okano Ricca
The artist's signature egg shaped cup.
This is a functional cup for espresso or any liquor, but is also unique sculptural work of art.
Glazing colors came out as shades of aquamarine blue, navy, and black. The surface finish is partly glossy, drippy, and blobby. You will find its tactile and painterly quality when held in hand.
Egg shaped handle is hollowed inside so that the egg won't crack in the firing process, and make the whole weight of the cup light to be held by hand.
There is a vitrified pool inside the bottom of the cup.
Food safe.
Sold individually. Price is for single item only.
The artist's mark is stamped on the base.
Process:
This cup is hand shaped/built, and has been through much work and techniques.
The clay ball ( handle ) was cut in half, carved out the clay inside, assembled back together.
The handle and the cup part were carefully attached into one piece, then fired in lower temperature.
After glazing, the cup went on to the second firing (over 1200 C) to achieve the bright colors and the Shino-like blobby textures with feldspar.
Then the cup was glazed again and fired for the third time without free oxygen supply (reduction firing with 1100 -1200 C) to add the muted colour/effect.
Dimensions (approx.)
Handle height 7.2 cm / 2.85 inchesWidth 14.0 cm / 5.52 inches
Cup diameter 6.8 cm / 2.68 inches
Due to handmade nature, each item is different in size, colour, and texture.
Maker
Okano Ricca is a ceramic artist based in Japan.Drawing inspiration from the woodland in the mountainous Karuizawa area, where she lives, Okano explores the interaction between her mind-scape and the natural elements.
Her recent works are functional and decorative ceramic objects that feature a striking balance between abstract expression and physical practicality.Each finished piece is highly original, with both painterly and sculptural quality, and full of sensory energy. The results often evoke viewer's original senses and connect strongly with their feelings, which makes her works much sought after internationally.
The techniques Okano uses vary from throwing and hand-building, to carving and slab-building, and she often mixes them. The surface finish is layered and densely textured with white slip, multiple glazing, brush strokes and sgraffito mark-marking.
Some pieces embody reflective imagery of water, while others have matte finishes and a tactile quality. The glazing process often creates drip blobs, pools and unexpected runs, which is a part of her spontaneity.
Okano's works include ceramic and video installations where a dual image of the physical and the spiritual world is visualized.Having explored abstract painting intermittently, Okano taught herself ceramic art while traveling. Later she finished a ceramic course in Tajimi, one of Japan's historic ceramic bases.
Originally from Tokyo, Okano moved to Karuizawa, where she creates her works and curates a gallery space with her partner and jewellery artist Nomoto Hiroshi.
Okano has exhibited widely, including solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Taipei and Sydney; group exhibitions in Madrid, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai.
She was an artist in residence at Hakone Sengokuhara (Japan). She was given Taro Award from Okamoto Taro Museum of Art. Read more...
Care
No microwawave, dishwasher, or oven please. We recommend washing up this item by hand.
