Vase Sometsuke Sansui Landscape | The first-generation head of the Shinemon Kiln [146185]

[size]
Width: 15.5cm / Height: 18.3cm
Width: 6.1in / Height: 7.2in

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This work was created by the late Shinichiro Baba, the first-generation Shinemon and founder of the Shinemon Kiln?one of the most distinguished kilns representing Arita ware. It is a small vase boldly adorned with a *sansui* (landscape) painting in *sometsuke* (blue-and-white underglaze). The vase’s compact form embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics?tranquility, refinement, and *wabi-sabi*.

While the current Shinemon Kiln is known as a leading authority on the *Y?hen* technique, which skillfully manipulates glazes to produce dramatic effects, this piece was not created using *Y?hen*. Instead, it was painted in *sometsuke*, as it was crafted during the career of Shinichiro Baba, the kiln’s founding master. His command of *sometsuke*, a foundational technique of Arita ware, is clearly reflected in this work. As the present-day kiln seldom produces *sometsuke* pieces, this piece is now regarded as particularly rare and valuable.

The vase has a gently narrowing rim and is modest in scale?ideal for enhancing the beauty of a single bloom. Its refined form subtly complements floral arrangements without overpowering them, bringing a calm and dignified presence to any space. When a single flower is placed within, the harmony between vessel and nature reveals the beauty of *yohaku*?the richness of empty space.

The landscape motif (*sansui*) depicts natural elements such as mountains, rivers, trees, rocks, and lakes, typically with little emphasis on human presence. Even when figures or buildings are included, they appear small within the vastness of nature. Rooted in the philosophies of Taoism, Confucianism, and Zen Buddhism, *sansui* painting expresses a worldview that respects nature and seeks harmony with it. It is a subject long favored in traditional East Asian art?especially ink paintings and hanging scrolls?and remains a classic theme even today.

Technically, this piece was executed in *sometsuke*, in which cobalt pigment is applied directly to the unglazed bisque surface before glazing. This method allows for fluid, expressive brushwork, perfectly suited for capturing the delicate world of landscape painting. However, because the absorbent surface does not allow corrections, each brushstroke must be applied with confidence and precision. It is a one-chance execution?requiring patience, focus, and compositional skill. This piece embodies all of those qualities, standing as a quiet yet masterful example of traditional craftsmanship.


[Potter Profile]
Shinichiro Baba (deceased)

The first-generation head of the Shinemon Kiln
Member of Nitten / Full Member of the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association / Member of the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Association / Member of the Arita Ceramic Association


[Shinichiro Baba's career is as follows ]
Born in 1924 in Arita, Saga Prefecture
1972: Founded the Shinemon Kiln in Arita.
1979: Selected for the Prefecture Exhibition with "Hexagonal Celadon Bowl."
1981: Selected for the Nitten exhibition with "Oil Spot Tenmoku Large Bowl," subsequently selected 21 times.
1989: Appointed as an art exhibition judge.
2000: Exhibited "Saiun-99" and "Sai-99" at the British Museum in London (Saga Prefecture Ceramic Exhibition).
2004: Exhibited "Saikei" and "Saimon" at the Arita Pottery Exhibition in Germany.

[Main Awards]
1983: Won the First Place Bijutsu Kyokai Prize at the Bijutsu Kyokai Exhibition for "Cinnabar Flower Vase."
1986: Received the Grand Prize and the Contemporary Craft President's Prize at the Contemporary Crafts Kyushu Exhibition.
1996: Awarded the Contemporary Craft Prize at the Contemporary Craft Exhibition for "Akebono no Nagisa."
2000: Received the Full Member Prize at the Contemporary Craft Exhibition for "Rensaku・Sai."