Bottle gourd-shaped vase by Nei Fujihira

Width 10.5cm x 10.5cm Height 35cm

A poetic world woven with black and gold

"Shizuru in the Night Sky" is a vase that combines Fujihira Nei's originality with traditional techniques. Its form, a slender silhouette reminiscent of a long, black gourd, is designed to symbolize a single drop of gold dripping into the night sky . The deep, smoky black expresses the darkness of night, while the gold streak that hangs above it emits a quiet glow, giving the work a poetic depth. There is one gold streak on the front and one on the back, and their exquisite placement creates harmony throughout. As the word "shizuru" suggests, the dynamic expression of the gold flowing down seems to breathe life into the work.

A presence that overwhelms the space

This vase is characterized by its sculptural beauty as an object and its powerful presence in any space. Its simple yet robust design transcends its practical use as a flower vase, emanating a presence as a standalone work of art. When used as a single flower vase, "Yozora no Shizuru" creates an exquisite harmony of splendor and serenity, bringing tranquility and drama to the surrounding space. Even without flowers in it, you can enjoy the abstract sensation of the moon and stars floating in the night sky by viewing it as an object.

The world of Yasushi Fujihira, where tradition and modern sensibility come together

While inheriting the traditional techniques of Kyoto ware, Fujihira Yasushi has also created many pieces that incorporate a modern sensibility. This characteristic is strongly reflected in "Shizuru in the Night Sky." The pottery techniques and sensibilities inherited from his father, Fujihira Shin, quietly live on in this piece. The contrast between the smoked black and vivid gold evokes elements of classical beauty, yet is sublimated into a modern expression. This unique balance makes "Shizuru in the Night Sky" one of Fujihira Yasushi's signature works.

Warmth and precision created by hand-twisting

"Yozora no Shizuru" is shaped entirely by hand, without the use of a potter's wheel. This leaves slight distortions throughout the vessel, as well as the organic lines that are unique to handmade pieces, giving it a warm expression. At the same time, the precise lines drawn by the gold streaks give the overall design a sense of tension, tightening the piece. This exquisite balance, created by hand, further deepens the appeal of "Yozora no Shizuru."

History and Awards

Yasushi Fujihira was born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1963. He learned the techniques and sensibilities of pottery from his father, Shin Fujihira, while developing his own style. He graduated from the Kyoto Prefectural Potters Vocational Training School in 1988, and has since won numerous awards for his work.

• 1990 : Received the Mayor's Award at the Kyoto Exhibition
• 1991 : Received the Encouragement Award at the "Ceramics Biennale"
• 1992 : Selected for the Kyoto Craft Biennale and the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition

These awards demonstrate the high regard in which Tohei Nei's outstanding technique and innovative expression are held.

The beauty of "Shizuru in the Night Sky"

"Drops in the Night Sky" by Yasushi Fujihira is a work of art that expresses the darkness of the night sky and a single ray of light in ceramic . The contrast between the deep black form and the golden droplets evokes a sense of serenity and poetry in the viewer. This vase is more than just a vessel. It is an object with the power to brighten up any space, and is an object that inspires and inspires the user with new perspectives. Why not experience a breath of fresh air in the world of ceramics through the work of Yasushi Fujihira, who combines tradition and innovation?

≪Nei Fujihira Ceramics History≫
1963 Born in Kyoto Prefecture. Father: Shin Fujihira
1988 Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Vocational Training School. Selected for the Nitten Exhibition (2 times thereafter).
1989 Akane Award at Kyoto Exhibition (1990 Mayor's Award) Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition
1990 Selected for the Contemporary Asahi Craft Exhibition (four times since)
1991 Ceramics Biennale Encouragement Award, All Kansai Art Exhibition Honorable Mention ('92 same award)
1992 Selected for the Kyoto Craft Biennale Selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition
1993 All Kansai Art Exhibition, Kansai Award, 2nd Place
2008 Submitted to the Paramita Ceramic Art Grand Prize Exhibition

A conversation with Mr. Yasushi Fujihira