Bottle gourd-shaped vase by Nei Fujihira

Width 10.5cm x Height 35cm

A conversation with Yasushi Fujihira

A poetic world woven with black and gold

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

A presence that dominates the space

This vase is characterized by its beauty of form as an object and its strength that gives it an overwhelming presence in any space. Its simple yet strong design goes beyond its practical use as a flower vase and gives it an independent presence as a work of art. When used as a vase for a single flower, "Yozora no Shizuru" creates an exquisite balance of gaiety and serenity, bringing tranquility and drama to the surrounding space. You can also enjoy the abstract sensation of the moon and stars floating in the night sky by viewing it as an object without putting flowers in it.

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 "Yozora ni Shizuru." 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 an element of classical beauty, yet is elevated to a modern expression. This unique balance makes "Yozora ni Shizuru" one of Fujihira Yasushi's signature works.

Warmth and precision created by hand twisting

"Yozora Shizuru" is shaped entirely by hand, without the use of a potter's wheel. This leaves slight distortions throughout the piece and the organic lines that can only be achieved through handcrafting, 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, deepens the appeal of "Yozora 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 establishing 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 : Winner of 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 that Tohei's outstanding technique and innovative expression have received.

The beauty of "Yozora Shizuru"

Fujihira Yasushi's "Drops in the Night Sky" is a work of art that expresses the darkness of the night sky and a ray of light in ceramic . The contrast between the deep black form and the gold droplets evokes a sense of tranquility and poetry in the viewer. This vase is more than just a vessel. It is an object that has the power to brighten up any space, and it is an object that will move the user and bring new perspectives to them. Why not experience a breath of fresh air in the world of ceramics through Fujihira Yasushi's work, which combines tradition and innovation?

<<Toshihira Yasushi’s Pottery History>>
1963 Born in Kyoto Prefecture. Father is Shin Fujihira.
1988 Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Vocational Training School. Selected for the Nitten Exhibition (2 more times)
1989 Kyoto Exhibition Akane Award ('90 Mayor's Award) Selected for the Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition
1990 Selected for the Modern Asahi Craft Exhibition (four times since then)
1991 Ceramic Art 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