Green Flower Vase by Ogawa Bunsai

Width: 9.5cm x 9.5cm Height: 20.0cm

"Emerald Green Flower Vase"
-Written by Bunsai Ogawa (6th generation)

Modest yet with a definite presence, this "Emerald Green Vase" by Ogawa Bunsai (Oki) VI naturally draws the viewer's gaze and has the power to establish a quiet focal point in the space. The clean contrast between the green glaze and the white base evokes a sacredness reminiscent of the pillars of a temple, and even without the flowers inside, it exudes a sense of complete beauty. The green glaze flowing from the top is the crystallization of the colors Ogawa Bunsai has long explored. This deep, clear green is not merely decorative; it embodies universal messages that transcend time and thought, such as "peace," "rebirth," and "the breath of life." The lustrous glaze gently reflects light, changing its appearance depending on the angle of view, almost evoking the presence of a living being. Meanwhile, the base underneath is made of fine-grained, slightly rough white clay. While preserving the natural texture of the clay, the piece is deliberately left unglazed, preserving the "tranquility" of the material. The clear boundary between the glaze and the base gives the piece a sense of tension, while the overall form is slightly soft and rounded, creating an exquisite design that gives it a sense of "softness."

A beautiful design where modern and traditional elements coexist

At first glance, this piece's design strikes a modern, minimalist impression, but behind it lies the technique and spirit of Bunsai Kiln, which has been passed down for over 150 years in Gojozaka, Kyoto. The history of Bunsai Kiln dates back to 1847. The first generation, Ogawa Bunsai (Bunsuke), traveled to pottery-producing regions around the country and mastered kiln-building techniques in Arita, Hizen, before opening a kiln in Kaseyama, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture. Recognized by the Ichijo family, he was bestowed the character "sai" (轋) and the family crest, and assumed the name Bunsai. Following the Meiji Restoration, the kiln moved to Gojozaka, where it continues to produce pottery in the heart of Kyoto, the pottery capital. While carrying on the spirit of its predecessors, the sixth generation, Ogawa Bunsai (Kyo), has sought to create works that blend naturally into modern spaces, conscious of "use and beauty." He studied sculpture at graduate school, and has received high praise at numerous exhibitions while pursuing a sophisticated balance between glaze and form. In recent years, he has become known as the "Green Man," and has been deepening his expression centered on emerald glazes.

A "quiet vessel" for receiving flowers

The greatest appeal of this "Emerald Green Vase" lies in its "white space." Its understated design allows the outlines of the flowers placed inside to stand out, and even the leaves and stems blend seamlessly into the artwork. Whether filled with small wildflowers or modern art flowers, it will have a presence that is like adding a verse of poetry to the space. Furthermore, the contrast of light and shadow reflected on the white clay body creates delicate changes that evoke the changing seasons, and its expression becomes richer with the passage of time. This single-flower vase blends in perfectly with the alcove in a tea room, the living room of a modern home, or even the corner of a store, quietly embracing the sensibilities of the person displaying it. This is the essence of this single-flower vase.

Vessels that will carry the "Green Philosophy" into the future

The messages that Ogawa Bunsai VI puts into his works are always consistent.
"I will do my best to create what I believe to be beautiful, while praying for peace."
This sincere attitude is manifested in a focus on "the power that resides in stillness" rather than on visual brilliance. The colors should be modest, the lines clean, and the vessel's very form should be "embracing" to embrace the human heart. This is exactly what resonates with the "spirit of harmony" that has been cherished in traditional Japanese crafts. The green glaze that flows through this piece is not merely decorative.
It is a prayer for a world without conflict, and a hope for a future where people can come together and support each other.