Vase Gourd Shape Cherry blossoms, Bamboo leaves, and Plum blossoms | Fukuji Kitamura Traditional Craftsperson work [264015]

[size]
Width: 11.5cm / Height: 23cm
Width: 4.5in / Height: 9.1in

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This piece is a creation by Fukuji Kitamura, a leading figure in the world of Arita ware decorative arts.
Mr. Kitamura is a master traditional craftsman in overglaze painting who has long embodied the fusion of tradition and innovation in Arita porcelain. Though now retired from active work, his creations continue to captivate many admirers. Each piece reflects his exceptional technique and personal aesthetic, standing as a timeless crystallization of ceramic artistry.

This porcelain vase, shaped like a *hy?tan* (gourd), features an exuberant display of seasonal flowers rendered in vivid colors and delicate brushwork. Plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and bamboo leaves bloom across curved panels that wrap around the vessel, symbolically capturing the cycle of the four seasons.

A beautifully balanced harmony of blue, red, green, and white lends this piece a different visual expression from every angle. With a height of 23 cm and a diameter of 11.5 cm, it is easy to display while still commanding attention with its vibrant presence and intricate decoration. The auspicious gourd shape combined with motifs of seasonal beauty makes this a delightful and meaningful gift.


[Potter Profile]
Fukuji Kitamura
Designated Traditional Craftsman

A recognized master of overglaze painting in porcelain
Now retired at over 90 years old; resides in Arita, Saga Prefecture

An overglaze painter is the one who brings life to the pristine white surface of porcelain.
Using a single brush, the artisan breathes color into the vessel, transforming it from mere pottery into a vivid, living work of art. With intricate composition, unwavering brushstrokes, and a sensitivity embedded in each hue, Kitamura’s artistry elevates porcelain to the realm of fine art.
His mastery shines through in every piece and leaves a lasting impression across time.


Born in Arita, Saga Prefecture in 1932
Entered the field of ceramics after World War II
Founded the Kitamura Overglaze Studio at the age of 30
Certified as a Traditional Craftsman of Arita Ware in 1990
Appointed Chairman of the Saga Prefecture Overglaze Painting Cooperative in 1991
Held solo exhibitions in Ginza (Tokyo) and throughout Fukuoka Prefecture from the 1990s onward

Among his most representative works is the grand series of decorative plates themed on the "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido," consisting of a total of 55 pieces.