Yuri Ginsai 釉裏銀彩
釉 glaze · 裏 under · 銀 silver · 彩 color
Also known as underglaze silver
Yuri ginsai (underglaze silver) is a Kutani ware technique in which patterns cut from silver foil are applied to the bisque-fired body and then sealed beneath a transparent or colored glaze before firing. Because the glaze encloses the silver, it cannot oxidize and tarnish, so the metal keeps a quiet, refined luster. The technique was established by Living National Treasure Nakada Kazuo; unlike the bolder gleam of gold, silver lends a restrained, contemplative beauty that harmonizes with colored glazes.
Held to the light, a yuri ginsai piece reveals silver that seems to glow softly from within the glaze rather than sit on the surface — understated and deep, a luster that reveals itself slowly.
