Cloth texture cobalt blue vase by Shin Fujihira

Width 15cm x Height 13cm

A conversation with Yasushi Fujihira

Shin Fujihira and the artistry of the "Nunome Gosu Vase"

The "Nunome Gosu Vase" is one of the masterpieces created by the master of contemporary ceramics, Shin Fujihira. This piece expresses the essence of the "poetic ceramics" that he has pursued throughout his life. The warmth and familiarity common to all his works, combined with delicate techniques, give off a unique charm that draws in viewers.

The distinctive form of this vase is its decorative, rounded, graceful shape and the texture of the weave. Its soft form evokes tranquil, poetic feelings in the viewer. Meanwhile, the weave pattern and deep cobalt blue color throughout the piece combine visual strength with elements of universal beauty, evoking a sense of timeless value.

Poetic design: weave and diamond patterns

The pattern on this vase is a fusion of traditional techniques and Fujihira's sensibility, with the deep blue of the gosu delicately emerging through the grain of the fabric. This technique expresses a beauty that seems to be in harmony with nature and human craftsmanship.

Furthermore, this piece is decorated with a diamond pattern. This pattern is a universal design that has been loved throughout history in many cultures and symbolizes harmony and order. By incorporating this universal motif with his own unique approach, Tohei has made the "Nunome Gosu Vase" a piece that embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity.

The appeal and characteristics of gosu

Gosu is a mineral pigment that gives ceramic works a deep blue color, and is an essential element of Fujihira's work. The main component, cobalt oxide, develops an indigo blue or purple blue color when fired in a reducing flame. This unique color changes depending on the firing environment and temperature even when the same pigment is used, which is a factor that enhances the artistic quality of each unique piece .

In particular, the deep blue of the gosu used in the "Nunome Gosu Vase" shows different expressions depending on how the light hits it and the angle from which it is viewed, giving the work depth and mystery. In addition, the unevenness of the grain pattern subtly affects the coloring of the gosu, adding even more three-dimensionality to the work.

Fusion with the warmth of the earth

A major feature of the "Nunome Gosu Vase" is that you can feel not only the blue of the gosu, but also the warmth of the clay itself. The natural texture of the clay blends beautifully with the transparent blue of the gosu, giving the piece a sense of life. This fusion can be said to be a symbol of the connection between nature and humans that Mr. Fujihira was trying to express through his pottery.

The earth tones serve not only as a background but also as an element that brings out the blue of the gosu, giving the work a sense of both serenity and strength, providing it with a universal appeal that will be treasured by viewers for a long time.

Practical and artistic interior design

The excellent design and functionality of the "Nunome Gosu Vase" allows it to blend naturally into any space. It is versatile enough to be displayed anywhere, such as in the entranceway, living room, or on an office desk, and arranging flowers in it will bring a sense of life to the space.

This piece can be enjoyed not just as a flower vase, but as a work of art worthy of appreciation . Even without flowers in it, its shape and decorativeness alone are enough to brighten up any space, and it also makes an excellent interior accent piece.

The life and style of Shin Fujihira

Born into a family that runs a pottery business in Gojozaka, the center of ceramic production in Kyoto. Having grown up surrounded by ceramics from an early age, Fujihira-san built a poetic world of pottery based on the unique sensibility he developed while recuperating from an illness. His works, which are shaped by hand or using the Tatara technique without using a potter's wheel, have a natural beauty and a light and elegant elegance.

His style is filled with poetic elements that reflect his inner world. Among his ceramic sculptures with motifs of people, animals, and architecture, as well as highly decorative vessels, the "Nunome Gosu Vase" is one piece that clearly illustrates the characteristics of his style.

Unique ceramics that transcend tradition and innovation

While respecting traditional pottery techniques, Fujihira pursued new ways of expression that went beyond them. The "Nunome Gosu Vase" is one example of this, and by developing traditional techniques such as blue and white porcelain and gosu in his own way, he continues to give a fresh feeling even in modern times. While his works are influenced by Ming wares and figurines from the Tang Dynasty in China, they are not merely imitations, but are reconstructed with his own sensibility. This gives his works a universality that transcends time and region, and they have been highly praised both in Japan and abroad. He was also called the "poet of pottery" for his poetic works. The "Nunome Gosu Vase" is also a work that combines poetic sensibility and technique, and brings warmth and tranquility to the viewer. The greatest appeal of Fujihira's pottery works is the combination of practicality that blends into everyday life and artistry. By picking up the "Nunome Gosu Vase," you can feel the poetic world of pottery that he has pursued throughout his life in your everyday life.

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."