Vase Ruri Blue | Shinemon Kiln work [146188]

[size]
Width: 15.5cm / Height: 16.7cm
Width: 6.1in / Height: 6.6in

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This piece is a work by Shinemon Kiln, one of the most distinguished kilns representing Arita ware.

The vase is adorned with mesmerizing crystal patterns in a deep, absorbing blue?*ruri* (lapis lazuli)?that captivates the eye.

Shinemon Kiln is a master of the *y?hen* technique, a method that skillfully manipulates glaze transformations within the kiln. *Y?hen* refers to the natural, often unpredictable changes in glaze color and texture during firing, revealing the mysterious and organic beauty of nature itself.

The glaze used in this piece is known as *Ruri Suiteki* ("lapis lazuli water droplets"), featuring a vivid, profound blue. The rich, dark blue crystalline patterns shimmer like droplets of water when reflecting light. Evoking the depth and purity of the sea?the source of life?this work conveys a sense of nobility and serene clarity.

It is a striking example of refined glaze artistry that combines both technical precision and emotional resonance.


[About the Kiln | Shinemon Kiln]
Kusuo Baba
(The second-generation head of the Shinemon Kiln)
Member of Nitten / Councilor of the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association / Vice President of the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Association / Director of the Saga Art Association

I create works that inherit the tradition of Arita ware while aligning with contemporary sensibilities. I specialize in the Yohen technique, which skillfully manipulates glazes, adding an element of serendipity to each piece as it reaches completion, thereby expressing a mystical beauty.

[Kusuo Baba's career is as follows ]
Born in 1952
1976: Joined the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Research Institute, where he learned the basics of ceramics and began researching glazes.
1980: Joined Maemon Kiln and began creating pottery, continuing his research on glazes to this day.
1981: Received strong guidance from Ryuzan Aoki, a recipient of the Order of Culture.
1997: Selected for the Nitten exhibition for "Kyoku Ei." Subsequently, he has been selected 20 times.
2004: Exhibited "Haruka wo Nozomu" and "Umibe no Uta" at the Arita Pottery Exhibition in Germany.
2010: Held the "Encountering Colors at Ogurayama" exhibition at Jojakkoji Temple in Kyoto.
2014: Appointed as a judge for the 53rd Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition.
2021: Elected as a councilor of the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association.

[Main Awards]
1997: Selected for the Nitten exhibition for "Kyoku Ei."
2000: Awarded the Grand Prize and the 50th Anniversary Special Prize at the Saga Prefecture Exhibition for "Haruka na Sazanami."
2003: Received the Ryuzan Aoki Prize at the 100th Anniversary Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition for "Umibe no Uta."
2005: Received the Contemporary Craft Award at the Contemporary Craft Exhibition for "Reimei-05."
2008: Received the Contemporary Craft Full Member Award at the Contemporary Craft Exhibition for "Kyoku-08(1)."
2011: Received the Director's Award at the 50th Anniversary Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition for "Sazanami no Uta."
2012: Won the Special Prize at the Nitten exhibition for "Haruka na Mine."
2012: Received the Grand Prize and the Ryuzan Aoki Prize at the Contemporary Crafts Kyushu Exhibition for "Sankei."