Salt kiln vase by Takeshi Shimizu

Height: 10.3cm Width: 17.1cm

Shiogama Vase by Tsuyoshi Shimizu - A work of art that combines the beauty of blue with salt kiln techniques

A special glow from vibrant blue

"Shiogama Vase by Tsuyoshi Shimizu" stands out for its vivid blue color, painted with a blue pigment called gosu. The greatest appeal of this vase is the transparency and depth that comes from being painted with pigment instead of glaze. It has the same beauty from any angle, and emanates a presence that instantly elevates the space. The blue color created by Tsuyoshi Shimizu adds a touch of art to everyday life.

The unique texture created by the salt kiln technique

This vase was made using the salt kiln technique that originated in Germany in the 13th century. This technique involves adding salt during firing, which creates a unique texture on the surface of the vessel. Shimizu Tsuyoshi uses a traditional climbing kiln to slowly fire the vessel at high temperatures of over 1230℃ for approximately two and a half days. The process in which the salt evaporates and creates natural patterns on the surface of the vessel is truly a miracle that combines the power of nature and the skill of a master craftsman.

The crystallization of labor and tradition in climbing kilns

Firing in a climbing kiln is a traditional technique that takes time and effort, but it gives the work a unique texture and durability. Shimizu Tsuyoshi's Shiogama Vase is characterized by its durability and beautiful finish, which is achieved by long firing times and the addition of salt. Through this process, the entire piece takes on a unique texture and exudes a one-of-a-kind presence.

A fusion of craftsmanship and artistry

Shimizu Tsuyoshi's Shiogama Vase is made with outstanding technique and artistic sensibility, from the way the gosu is applied to the timing of the salt kiln firing. The sense of beauty and careful finishing in the details will allow you to discover new charms every time you use it. It is a work of art that is not only beautiful to look at, but also practical in terms of its feel and durability.

A presence that brings out the flowers

This Shiogama vase will accentuate the beauty of any flower you put in it. The vivid blue and unique texture bring out the charm of the flowers and bring a special atmosphere to the space in which it is displayed. It will blend naturally into any scene, such as the living room, entrance, or study, and will serve as an art piece that will elevate the space.

Everlasting Value

Tsuyoshi Shimizu's Shiogama Vase is a masterpiece that continues to retain its beauty over time. The more it is used, the more its texture improves and the deeper its character becomes, deepening the attachment of the owner. Not only can it be used for a lifetime, but it is also a valuable piece to be handed down to the next generation, and its appeal will continue into the future.

Biography
Born in Tachikui, Hyogo Prefecture in 1975
1999 Graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts, Department of Crafts, majoring in ceramics. Studied under ceramic artists Masayuki Imai and Masamasa
2005 Worked at the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo (until 2012)
2010 - 2011 Part-time lecturer at Hyogo University of Teacher Education
2015: Travelled to Canada (Owata, Vancouver) through a Ministry of Foreign Affairs program
2019 Lecture at the Japan-Korea Academic Symposium (Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Museum/Korea, '16)

Main Exhibitions/Open Exhibitions
2010 Biennale KUMAMOTO FINAL (Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art)
2012 Kyoto Prefecture Fine Arts and Crafts New Artists Exhibition, Kyoto Arts and Crafts Biennale (Kyoto Museum of Art)
2013: Selected for the 22nd Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition ('11)
2014 Gwangju Biennale (Gwangju Folk Museum/Korea)
2016 Exhibition of crafts from UCCN in the field of Crafts & Folk Art
(Icheon World Ceramic Center/Korea)
2017 Ischawan, One World: International Artists Chawan Ren Exhibition (Ryudo Makoto/Taiwan)
2018 2018 TEA BOWL Exhibition of Gyeongsanam-Do (Gyeongsanam Cultural Center/Korea)
150 Years of Hyogo Ceramics - From Technique and Craftsmanship to Art and Individuality (The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo)
2019 KOGEI Art Fair KANAZAWA 2019 (THE SHARE HOTELS KUMU Kanazawa)
2022: Selected for the 39th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition (Tabe Museum of Art/Shimane) (6 times in total)
Selected for the 10th Kikuchi Biennale in 2023 (Kikuchi Kanji Memorial Museum Tomo/Tokyo)

Awards
2010 Contemporary Ceramic Art Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition 2010 (Hagi Museum of Art, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Urakami Memorial Museum) Honorable Mention
2011 57th All Kansai Art Exhibition (Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Arts) Honorable Mention (2009 same award)
Kobe Biennale 2011 Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition Encouragement Award (2009 same award)
2017 Hyogo Prefectural Art Encouragement Award
2018: 11th Contemporary Tea Ceremony Exhibition, Excellence Award 23rd Mino Tea Bowl Exhibition, Gold Award
2019 12th Contemporary Tea Ceramics Exhibition Excellence Award 5th Geibunkyo Exhibition Kyoto City Mayor Award
2023 15th Contemporary Tea Ceramics Exhibition Excellence Award