Cinnabar chawan tea bowl by Shin Fujihira

Width 12cm x Height 7.5cm

An enveloping form and a gentle presence

The softly curved form of Shin Fujihira's "Cinnabar Tea Bowl" gives a sense of tolerance and warmth. This shape naturally makes you want to embrace it with both hands, gently soothing the mind of the person who picks it up. The tranquil atmosphere that emanates from the entire bowl gives you a moment of peace that helps you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Cinnabar glaze creates mystery and depth

The vivid and deep red color of the cinnabar glaze changes subtly depending on the light, creating a unique mysticism. You will be captivated by the subtle expressions created by the transparent layers of color. This deep red color exudes the dignity of a work of art that goes beyond being a simple vessel. It is truly the embodiment of Mr. Fujihira's poetic sensibility.

An exquisite combination of potter's wheel and hand-building

Fujihira is known for not using the potter's wheel much, but while he does use one for this tea bowl, he adds his own unique twist to it. After shaping the body on the wheel, he finishes the base by hand-building, perfectly combining the beauty of symmetry of the potter's wheel with the warmth of hand-building. "The potter's wheel creates a mechanical hardness, while hand-building makes it difficult to achieve a light, crisp texture. By combining the strengths of both, I was able to create the ideal shape," Fujihira says, and this piece comes to life.

Chai pottery challenges and creative freedom

His solo exhibition "Tohei Shin - Playing with Tea Ceramics" held at the Kyoto Tea Ceremony Museum in 1993 was the catalyst for Tohei to begin working on tea ceramics in earnest. This exhibition featured a group of works born from the free-spirited idea of ​​"trying things the way you like" without being bound by the traditions of tea ceramics. His unique sense of playfulness and experimental spirit are also strongly reflected in the "Cinnabar Tea Bowl". This free and open-minded creative attitude gives his works new value that goes beyond the framework of tea utensils.

The aesthetics of Shin Fujihira, the poet of ceramics

Shin Fujihira was born into a family of potters in Gojozaka, Kyoto, and while studying under Kiyomizu Rokubei, he created not only tableware but also ceramic sculptures full of poetic sentiment. His style is full of sculptural elements inspired by Ming ware from the Han and Tang dynasties, as well as light decorativeness. His emphasis on "play" gives all his works a sense of dynamism and originality. The sensibility that has earned him the nickname "Poet of Ceramic" is vividly present in his "Cinnabar Tea Bowl."

The fascinating world of cinnabar-glazed tea bowls

The "Cinnabar Tea Bowl" captures the heart of the user with its warmth and softness brought about by its deep scarlet color. The rare cinnabar glaze is skillfully handled to create a unique texture and style that deeply impresses the viewer. With its rounded form, the profound color of the cinnabar glaze, and an original technique that combines the potter's wheel and hand-building, this piece truly crystallizes Fujihira's aesthetics and technique. The free, poetic, and unconventional creative approach makes this tea bowl even more outstanding.

Shin Fujihira Biography
1944 Entered Kyoto Higher Technical School but dropped out due to illness
1945 Started pottery at Tohei Ceramic Arts
1957: Won the Hokuto Prize at the 13th Nitten Exhibition
1960 Florence International Ceramic Exhibition, Italy
1963: Received the Kikka Award at the 6th Shin-Nihon Exhibition and the Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Merit Award
1968 New Generation Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition: Ceramic Art Today - From Kyoto
1970 Contemporary Ceramics Europe and Japan Exhibition
1973 Received the Japan Ceramic Society Award
1974 Latin American Travel Exhibition
1976 Traveling exhibition of Japanese ceramic masterpieces in East Germany
1978 Traveling exhibition of Japanese ceramic masterpieces in West Germany
1982 US/Canada Traveling Exhibition
1983 Contemporary Japanese Crafts Exhibition
1985: Perspectives on Contemporary Japanese Art
1990: Winner of the Kyoto Art and Culture Award
1991 Received the Kyoto City Cultural Merit Award

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

A conversation with Yasushi Fujihira