Cloth texture cobalt blue vase by Shin Fujihira

Width 15cm x 13cm Height 18cm

Shin Fujihira and the artistry of the "Nunome Gosu Flower Vase"

The "Nunome Gosu Vase" is one of the masterpieces created by the master of contemporary ceramics, Fujihira Shin. This piece expresses the essence of the "poetic ceramic art" that he has pursued throughout his life. The warmth and familiarity common to all his works, combined with the delicate technique, give it a unique appeal that draws viewers in.

The distinctive form of this vase is its graceful rounded shape and decorative texture of the weave. Its soft form evokes a sense of tranquility and poetry in the viewer. Meanwhile, the weave pattern and deep blue of the gosu that runs throughout the piece combine visual strength with elements of universal beauty, evoking a sense of timeless value.

Poetic design: weave and diamond patterns

The texture of this vase is a fusion of traditional techniques and Fujihira's sensibility, with the deep blue of the gosu subtly emerging through the texture of the fabric. This technique expresses the beauty of a harmony between nature and human craftsmanship.

Furthermore, this piece is decorated with a diamond pattern. This is a universal design that has been loved throughout history in many cultures and symbolizes harmony and order. By incorporating this universal motif with his own unique approach, Tohei has made the "Nunome Gosu Vase" a work that embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity.

The appeal and characteristics of gosu

Gosu is a mineral pigment that gives ceramic works a deep blue color, and is an essential element of Fujihira's work. Its main component, cobalt oxide, develops an indigo-blue or purple-blue color when fired in a reducing flame. This unique color develops differently depending on the firing environment and temperature, even when the same pigment is used, which is a factor that enhances the artistic quality of each unique piece .

In particular, the deep blue of the gosu used in the "Nunome Gosu Vase" shows different expressions depending on the light and the angle from which it is viewed, giving the work depth and mystery. In addition, the unevenness of the gosu pattern subtly affects the coloring of the gosu, adding even more three-dimensionality to the work.

Fusion with the warmth of the earth

A major feature of the "Nunome Gosu Vase" is that you can feel not only the blue of the gosu, but also the warmth of the clay itself. The natural texture of the clay harmonizes beautifully with the transparent blue of the gosu, giving the piece a sense of life. This fusion can be said to symbolize the connection between nature and humans that Mr. Fujihira sought to express through his pottery.

The earth tones function not simply as a background but also as an element that brings out the blue of the gosu, giving the work a sense of both serenity and strength, and providing it with a timeless appeal that will be enjoyed by viewers for a long time.

Practical and artistic interior design

The Nunome Gosu Vase blends naturally into any space thanks to its excellent design and functionality. It is versatile enough to be displayed anywhere, such as in the entranceway, living room, or on an office desk, and arranging flowers in it will add a sense of vitality to the space.

This piece can be enjoyed not just as a vase, but as a work of art worthy of appreciation . Even without flowers in it, its shape and decorative qualities alone are enough to brighten up any space, making it an excellent accent piece for interior décor.

The life and style of Shin Fujihira

Born into a family that ran a pottery business in Gojozaka, the center of Kyoto's ceramic production, Fujihira grew up surrounded by ceramics from an early age, and built a poetic world of ceramics based on the unique sensibility he developed while recovering from an illness. His works, which are shaped by hand and using the Tatara technique without using a potter's wheel, exude a natural beauty and a light, witty elegance.

His style is filled with poetic elements that reflect his inner world. He created ceramic sculptures with motifs of people, animals, and architecture, as well as highly decorative vessels, and the "Nunome Gosu Flower Vase" is one of the works that clearly demonstrates the characteristics of his style.

Unique ceramic art that transcends tradition and innovation

While respecting traditional ceramic techniques, Mr. Fujihira pursued new forms of expression that transcend them. His "Nunome Gosu Vase" is one example of this. By uniquely developing traditional techniques such as blue and white porcelain and gosu, his works continue to offer a fresh perspective even today. While influenced by Chinese Tang Dynasty Ming ware and figurines, his works are not simply imitations; they are reconstructed through his own sensibility. This gives his works a universal quality that transcends time and place, earning him acclaim both in Japan and abroad. His poetic compositions have earned him the nickname "Poet of Ceramic." The "Nunome Gosu Vase" is a culmination of his poetic sensibility and technique, evoking a sense of warmth and tranquility in the viewer. The combination of practicality and artistry that blends seamlessly into everyday life is perhaps the greatest appeal of Mr. Fujihira's ceramics. Holding a "Nunome Gosu Vase" allows one to experience the poetic world of ceramics, a lifelong pursuit, in the midst of everyday life.

Shin Fujihira's biography
1944 Entered Kyoto Higher Technical School but dropped out due to illness
1945 Started pottery making at Fujihira Ceramic Arts
1957 Received the Hokuto Prize at the 13th Nitten Exhibition
1960 Florence International Ceramic Exhibition, Italy
1963 Received the Chrysanthemum Award at the 6th Shin-Nichi Exhibition and the Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Merit Award
1968 New Generation Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition: The Present of Ceramic Art - From Kyoto
1970 Contemporary Ceramics Europe and Japan Exhibition
1973 Received the Japan Ceramic Society Award
1974 Latin America traveling exhibition
1976 East German Touring Exhibition of Japanese Ceramics
1978 Traveling Exhibition of Japanese Ceramics in West Germany
1982 US/Canada traveling exhibition
1983 Contemporary Japanese Crafts Exhibition
1985: Perspectives on Contemporary Japanese Art
1990 Kyoto Art and Culture Award
1991 Kyoto City Cultural Merit Award

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

A conversation with Mr. Yasushi Fujihira