Cinnabar Vase by Shin Fujihira

Width 14cm x Height 21.5cm

A conversation with Yasushi Fujihira

Roundness creates tolerance

Fujihira Shin's "Cinnabar Jar" is characterized by its soft, rounded form. This shape has an inclusive power , as if the jar itself has a life of its own, embracing those who see it and touch it. The roundness combines softness and strength, and not only does it fit comfortably in the user's hand, it also gives a sense of calm and security to the eye. It could be said that this inclusive appearance is the source of the beauty of the "Cinnabar Jar."

The mysterious scarlet color created by cinnabar glaze

The scarlet color characteristic of cinnabar glaze gives this vase a unique look. The glaze, applied using Fujihira Shin's unique technique, combines vividness with depth, and the gradation of colors that changes depending on the amount of light creates a mysterious sense of depth. The texture of the glaze, which allows light to pass through faintly, conveys a mysterious and tranquil aura to the viewer. The scarlet color draws the hearts of those who see it and brings warmth to those who touch it, making it an important element in imbuing the vase with a poetic feeling.

The beauty of the form shines even without flowers

While vases are generally recognized as vessels for arranging flowers, the "Cinnabar Vase" has an overwhelming presence even without flowers inside. With its smooth and graceful form and the deep scarlet color of the glaze, this vase fills the space as a work of art in itself. Simply placing it in a room creates a special atmosphere and has the power to move the hearts of those who see it.

Shin Fujihira's playfulness and innovation in ceramics

Fujihira Shin was known as the "poet of pottery" because he was skilled at incorporating poetry and playfulness into his pottery. This spirit is clearly evident in the "Cinnabar Jar." The work goes beyond being a simple vessel and conveys to the viewer the charm of natural creation. Fujihira rarely used a potter's wheel, instead making full use of hand-twisting and tatara molding, pursuing natural yet intricate beauty in form. The "Cinnabar Jar" is no exception, and Fujihira's unique technique and sensibility are poured into the production process.

Ceramic art career and background

Born in 1922 in Gojozaka, Kyoto, into a family that ran a pottery business, Shin Fujihira grew up surrounded by the traditions of ceramics. He went on to study ceramics at Kyoto Higher Technical School, but was forced to drop out due to tuberculosis. During his recuperation, he honed his expressive abilities through painting. At the age of 30, he began pottery, studying under Shimizu Rokubei, and pursued his own unique style of expression.

Mr. Fujihira produced a wide range of works, including ceramic reliefs, vessels, and ceramic sculptures with animal and human motifs, and was praised as the "poet of ceramics" for his poetic style. While influenced by Chinese Ming vessels (vessels for burial in tombs) from the Han and Tang dynasties, his style also combined Japanese lightness and elegance, and he left a significant mark on venues such as the Nitten Exhibition and Kyoto City University of Arts.

Exploring the beauty of cinnabar glaze

The cinnabar glaze applied to the "Cinnabar Jar" was created by Fujihira, bringing together his many years of research and techniques. Cinnabar glaze is a glaze whose main component is copper oxide, and is a delicate technique that is easily affected by subtle changes in temperature during firing and kiln conditions. Fujihira's cinnabar glaze is not just red, but a unique scarlet color with depth and transparency. This glaze breathes life into the form of the vase, and leaves a special impression on viewers.

The spirit felt through the work

Shin Fujihira's works are consistently natural yet imbued with an original spirit. The "Cinnabar Jar" is a symbol of this, and gives the viewer a sense of poetic playfulness that is embedded in his ceramics. Through his work, we can also get a glimpse of his philosophy of life and his sense of beauty that is rooted in Japanese culture. The "Cinnabar Jar" is a particularly impressive piece among the ceramic works created by Shin Fujihira. The generous, rounded form, the mysterious scarlet color of the cinnabar glaze, and the overwhelming presence that does not even require the use of flowers. All of these elements come together in harmony, making this vase not just a vessel, but a work of art that has the power to transform an entire space. Symbolizing the free and sophisticated realm of ceramics that Shin Fujihira opened up, this piece deeply moves the viewer and occupies an important place in the history of Japanese ceramics.

Shin Fujihira Biography
1944 Entered Kyoto Higher Technical School but dropped out due to illness
1945 Started pottery at Tohei Ceramic Arts
1957: Won the Hokuto Prize at the 13th Nitten Exhibition
1960 Florence International Ceramic Exhibition, Italy
1963: Received the Kikka Award at the 6th Shin-Nihon Exhibition and the Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Merit Award
1968 New Generation Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition: Ceramic Art Today - From Kyoto
1970 Contemporary Ceramics Europe and Japan Exhibition
1973 Received the Japan Ceramic Society Award
1974 Latin American Travel Exhibition
1976 Traveling exhibition of Japanese ceramic masterpieces in East Germany
1978 Traveling exhibition of Japanese ceramic masterpieces in West Germany
1982 US/Canada Traveling Exhibition
1983 Contemporary Japanese Crafts Exhibition
1985: Perspectives on Contemporary Japanese Art
1990: Winner of the Kyoto Art and Culture Award
1991 Received the Kyoto City Cultural Merit Award

"This is a new, unused piece. It is currently kept at the Fujihira Shin Memorial Museum. If you purchase it, his son, Fujihira Yasushi, will create a box to certify that it is an authentic piece."