Blown mud gold painted crane neck vase by Ichiji Shimizu

Height: 27.5cm Width: 11.5cm

Blown-mud white tamba gold-painted crane-neck vase - the supreme art of Ichiji Shimizu

Unique beauty with elegant design

The Fukidoro Shirotanba Kinsai Tsuru-Neck Vase is a masterpiece that features a sophisticated design with a white base and graceful swirls of gold paint. As the name "Tsuru-Neck" suggests, the beautiful curves of the gracefully extended neck captivate the viewer, and it exudes breathtaking elegance from any angle. The unique pattern created by the Fukidoro technique and the swirls of gold paint are in perfect harmony, making this vase not just a flower vase, but a work of art.

Outstanding artistry born from master craftsmanship

This crane-neck vase by Shimizu Ichiji is the culmination of years of skilled techniques. The balance between the delicate patterns created by the mud-blowing technique and the gorgeous swirls created by the gold leaf creates a unique beauty that is unlike any other. The moment you hold it in your hands, you cannot help but be amazed by the meticulous workmanship down to the smallest details and the high-quality finish. The craftsmanship is truly worthy of the name of a master craftsman.

The joy of arranging and displaying flowers

This vase will bring out the beauty of any flower you put in it. It will blend naturally into any space, such as the living room, entrance, or study, and create a sense of luxury. Not only can you put flowers in it, but it will also have a presence as an art piece just by displaying it. Even if you leave it without any decorations, it has the power to elevate the space and is an exceptional item that will enrich the sensibilities of the user.

Lasting beauty and value

Shimizu Ichiji's works have eternal value, and their beauty will not fade over time. This crane-necked vase also gains more character and a deeper texture the more it is used, making the owner even more attached to it. It is a special piece worthy of being handed down to the next generation as a lifelong treasure.

Hakuyo Kiln Shimizu Ichiji

Born in Tachikui, Hyogo Prefecture in 1961
1984-1988: Studied in Tamba, Seto, and Bizen
1989 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition (also selected in 1991-1994 and 2004)
1990: Won the Kobe Mayor's Award at the Hyogo Prefectural Crafts and Arts Exhibition
1993 Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (also selected in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019)
Received the Kobe Shimbun Prize at the Hyogo Prefectural Crafts and Arts Exhibition Received the Issuikai Prize at the 55th Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition
1994: Selected for the Tanko Biennale Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition
1995 Selected for the Ceramic Art Biennale Received the Saga Goryu Award at the Flower Ceramic Exhibition Selected for the Japan Craft Exhibition Ceramic art demonstration at Europe Japan Week (Salzburg, Austria)
1996: Won the Jury Prize at the Flower Ceramics Exhibition (also won the same prize in 1997 and 1998)
1999 Japan Foundation traveling exhibition “Japanese Pottery – The Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns”
2000 Contemporary Tea Ceremony Exhibition TOKI Oribe Silver Award Winner Selected for the Mashiko Ceramic Art Exhibition (also selected in 2002, 2004, and 2008)
2001: Selected for the World Craft Competition in Kanazawa Held a workshop in Walla Walla, Washington, USA
2002: Won the Excellence Award at the BONSAI Pottery Exhibition (Takagi Bonsai Museum) Selected for the Vallauris Ceramic Biennale (France)
2003 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (also selected in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008-2023)
Selected for the Chosansho Ceramic Art Exhibition (also selected in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2015)
2004: Opened Hakuyo Kiln. Selected for the 19th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (Part 1, Traditional Category Award Nominee).
Winner of the runner-up prize at the 1st Contemporary Ceramics Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition
2008: 70th Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition, Issuikai Honorable Mention Award
2009: Received the Ibaraki Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum Award at the 20th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition; received the Shiga Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent Award at the 38th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition; received the Japan Crafts Association Award at the 37th Traditional Crafts Ceramic Art Division Exhibition; received the Issuikai Award at the 71st Issuikai Ceramic Art Division Open Exhibition; received the Kinoshita Memorial Award at the 72nd Issuikai Ceramic Art Division Open Exhibition
2011: Selected for the Kobe Biennale 2011 Contemporary Ceramic Art Competition. Donated a large tea bowl to Saidaiji Temple in Nara.
Selected for the 1st Toubi Exhibition in 2013 (also selected in 2015, 2016, and 2018)
2014: Won the Excellence Award at the Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition III: Contemporary Ceramics; Won the Encouragement Award at the 2nd Ceramic Art Exhibition: "Identity and Originality" (The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo)
"Contemporary Ceramic Phenomena" (Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum)
2015 TAMBA NOW+ (The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo)
2016 "Contemporary Ceramics Guide" (Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum)
2017: Won the Kobe Shimbun Grand Prize at the 55th Hyogo Crafts Exhibition
2018: Donated a tea bowl to Jonan-gu Shrine (Fushimi, Kyoto)
2019: Winner of the Encouragement Award at the 36th Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize "Chanoyu Art Exhibition"
2020 TAMBA NOW＋2020 (The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo)
2022: Japan Crafts Association Ceramics Division 50th Anniversary Exhibition "Ceramics Connecting to the Future - The Power of Traditional Crafts" (Panasonic Shiodome Museum of Art, National Crafts Museum, Hyogo Ceramic Art Museum, etc.)