Cinnabar Vase by Shin Fujihira

Width 7cm x Height 20cm

A conversation with Yasushi Fujihira

"Cinnabar Vase" by Shin Fujihira is more than just a simple vessel; it is a work of art that has narrative quality and poetic beauty. Though small, this vase has an overwhelming presence, and the artist's originality and sensibility are fully poured into its shape and the colors of the glaze. It gives the viewer a fantastical impression, reminiscent of a scene from a fairy tale, and its warmth and kindness envelop the heart; it is truly a masterpiece that embodies "beauty like a lyric poem."

The pale blue cinnabar glaze creates a fantastical world

The greatest feature of this piece is the pale blue color produced by Fujihira's unique cinnabar glaze. Usually, cinnabar glaze is dominated by a bright red color, but this vase is enveloped entirely in a soft bluish hue. This blue color changes subtly depending on the way the light hits it and the angle, and at times it appears to emerge with a translucent quality. The result is a hazy, fantastical atmosphere, as if seen in a dream, that leaves a deep impression on the viewer. Fujihira's skilled techniques and deep understanding of glazes were essential to the selection and realization of this color. And above all, it is the culmination of his artistic sensibility.

The pale blue cinnabar glaze is not merely decorative, but gives the entire piece a sense of storytelling. The poetic sentiment of the small vessel and the soft blue color create a scene that seems like a scene from a fairy tale, or like evoking a memory forgotten long ago. The unique atmosphere that this vase gives off speaks to the depth of Fujihira Shin's sensibility as a "poet of pottery."

Narrative and lyricism condensed into a small vessel

Although the "Cinnabar Vase" is modest in size, it is packed with a rich narrative. Its small size makes it seem as if a part of nature has been cut out and trapped within it. When you hold this vase in your hand, the warmth and gentleness you feel the moment you touch it accentuates the poetic expression that resides in the vessel itself.

Furthermore, the format of the vase itself is designed to evoke a sense of story. When you place a flower in the vase, a dialogue is created between the small vessel and the flower, giving the impression that it is speaking to you quietly. This ability to build a deep relationship between the user and the piece symbolizes how Fujihira breathes life into his work.

A gentle and poetic form

The shape of this vase is filled with a gentleness that soothes the hearts of those who see it. The soft form, twisted by hand, does not pursue perfect symmetry, but respects natural fluctuations and organic shapes. This gives it a gentle sense of familiarity for those who see it or hold it. Of particular note is the inclusiveness of the form. The reason it feels as if many emotions and landscapes reside within this small vessel is because Tohei was conscious of expressing a poetic scene, rather than simply creating a vessel. The "inclusive gentleness" imbued in this vase is not something that other artists could easily imitate.

A free and creative spirit

Shin Fujihira's style is always natural, yet has a unique spirit. He rarely uses a potter's wheel, and instead makes full use of techniques such as hand-twisting and tatara molding. His works bring out the beauty of the material itself, while pursuing new expressions that amaze the viewer. You can also feel Fujihira's playfulness and elegance. For example, the unique colors of the glazes and the organic shapes are not just artistic values, but also mechanisms that bring smiles and emotions to the users and viewers. This playfulness is an important element in expressing a poetic world in pottery. This work is a small vessel that contains a great narrative and lyricism. The pale blue cinnabar glaze, gentle form, and overwhelming presence can be said to be the result of Shin Fujihira's pottery philosophy and sensibility. Looking at this vase, you can feel the state of mind he pursued as a "poet of pottery" in your hands. This piece goes beyond the ordinary vessel of a single flower vase; it decorates the space as a work of art and stirs the viewer's sensibilities; it is sure to continue to shine as a masterpiece of contemporary ceramics.

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."