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 Flower Vase" by Ogawa Bunsai (Oki) VI has the power to naturally draw the viewer's gaze and to place it at the quiet center of the space. The clean contrast between the green glaze and the white base gives it a sacredness, like the pillars of a temple, and even without flowers in it, it gives the impression of being a completed work of beauty. The green glaze flowing from the top is the crystallization of the colors that Ogawa Bunsai has been exploring for many years. This deep, clear green is not just decorative, but contains within it universal messages that strike people's hearts beyond time and thought, such as "peace," "rebirth," and "the breath of life." The glossy glaze surface reflects the light gently, and its appearance changes depending on the viewing angle, making it seem almost like a living thing. Meanwhile, the base at the bottom is white clay with a fine, slightly rough texture. 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 exudes a sense of "softness."

A beautiful design where modernity and tradition coexist

At first glance, the shape of this piece gives a modern and minimalist impression, but behind it lies the technique and spirit of Bunsai Kiln, which has been handed down for over 150 years in Gojozaka, Kyoto. The history of Bunsai Kiln dates back to 1847. The first generation, Ogawa Bunsai (Bunsuke), traveled around the pottery regions of Japan, mastered kiln construction techniques in Arita, Hizen, and opened a kiln in Kaseyama, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture. He was recognized by the Ichijo family, was given the character "sai" and the family crest, and took on the name Bunsai. After that, after the Meiji Restoration, he moved his kiln to Gojozaka and continued to make pottery in the heart of Kyoto, the pottery capital. The sixth generation, Ogawa Bunsai (Oki), has inherited the spirit of his predecessors, but has also aimed to create works that are conscious of "use and beauty" and blend naturally into modern spaces. He studied sculpture at graduate school, and while pursuing a sophisticated balance between glaze and form, he has received high praise at numerous exhibitions. In recent years, he has deepened his expression based on emerald glaze, becoming known as the "green person."

A "quiet vessel" for holding flowers

The greatest charm of this "Emerald Green Vase" is its "white space." Its modest form accentuates the outline of the flower placed inside, and even the leaves and stems blend in as if they are part of the piece. Whether you place small wildflowers inside or modern art flowers inside, it will have a strong presence, like adding a line 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 of the seasons, and the expression becomes richer with the passage of time. This single-flower vase is a vessel that will blend in with the alcove of a tea ceremony room, the living room of a modern home, or even a corner of a store, and will quietly embrace the sensibilities of the person who displays it - that is the essence of this vase.

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

The messages that the 6th Ogawa Bunsai puts into his works are always consistent.
"I create things that I believe to be beautiful with all my might, while praying for peace."
This sincere attitude is expressed in the emphasis on "power residing in stillness" rather than on visual brilliance. The philosophy is that the colors should be modest, the lines clean, and the shape of the vessel itself should be "embracing" to embrace people's hearts. 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 just decorative.
It is a prayer for a world without conflict, and a hope for a future where people come together and support one another.