Tall Japanese Arita Porcelain Vase by Fujii Shumei

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A tall and elegant Japanese porcelain vase by Fujii Shumei (1936–2017) circa late 20th century. Working from Arita in Saga … Read more A tall and elegant Japanese porcelain vase by Fujii Shumei (1936–2017) circa late 20th century. Working from Arita in Saga Prefecture, the historical center for porcelain production in Japan, Fujii was celebrated for his contribution to modern Arita ware (Arita-yaki). He experimented and developed new glazing and innovative decoration techniques. Best known for "tree leaf technique" (Konoha-gi), the artist pressed real leaves onto unglazed porcelain, the imprints of the veins were then used to create silhouette of trees in atmospheric wintery landscape that is highly representative and dimensional and inspired by the seasonal scenery around Arita. This technique was rooted in the historical Jizhou kiln in China with its peak reached in Song dynasty circa 10-11th century, The artist often coupled Konoha-gi with a misty hue of pink achieved with fine pigment powders.
The vase on offer has an elegant form with a baluster spindle body with a short narrow neck and a small, flared mouth rim. The blue underglaze Konoha-Ji decoration depicts a misty landscape of forested mountains receding into the horizon. Each leaf represents a tree. The technique itself alludes to an eastern philosophy of micro-cosmo. The innovative use of pigment creates a haze that morphs from blue to lavender to pink, suggesting a silent moment of twilight or pre-dawn. The vase exemplifies the artist's unique aesthetic. It is signed on the base as shown. See less