Small Vase Sometsuke Shika Momiji Deer and Maple leaves | Fujii Kinsai's work [217095]

[size]
Width: 13.7cm / Height: 15.8cm
Width: 5.4in / Height: 6.2in

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This work is by Kinsai Fujii, a leading artist in the field of Arita ware.

Executed entirely in a single shade of indigo underglaze blue (sometsuke), this spherical vase features a gracefully leaping deer surrounded by a flurry of delicately rendered autumn leaves. The entire surface is covered with finely detailed maple foliage, and within it, the figure of the deer emerges?creating a dynamic and dreamlike scene. The expressive brushwork and rich tonal variation of the indigo blue give the piece a captivating depth that invites prolonged appreciation.

From a technical perspective, this piece is crafted using the sometsuke (underglaze blue) technique, in which the design is painted directly onto the bisque-fired body before glazing. This method allows for fluid, elegant brushstrokes and nuanced shading, particularly suited for landscape or nature motifs. Because the absorbent clay body captures the ink immediately, no corrections can be made?each stroke is final. This requires exceptional concentration, compositional skill, and patience.

Standing at 15.8 cm tall, the vase is compact in size, making it an ideal fit for modern interiors. Its elegant form and fine craftsmanship also make it an excellent choice for a refined gift. This piece represents the pinnacle of wheel-throwing, hand-painting, and kiln firing techniques?a true work of art.


[Potter Profile]
Kinsai Fujii

Kinsai Fujii's works are characterized by their luxurious finish using the overglaze enamel (nishiki) technique. He utilize metallic hues such as gold and platinum, as well as traditional Arita nishiki colors like red, green, and purple, showcasing strong individuality in their creations

Kinsai Fujii's career is as follows :

Born in 1976 in Arita, Saga Prefecture, Japan.
Entered the wheel-throwing department at Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramic Technical School in 1991.
Studied under Living National Treasures Manji Inoue and Shigemasu Kajiwara in 1991.
Held the "Kinsai Fujii Exhibition" at Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art and Hita City Museum of Art in 2003.
Held the "Kinsai Fujii Exhibition" at Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art Branch in 2004.
Held numerous solo exhibitions at department stores and other venues nationwide since 1999.

[Main Awards]

Nagasaki Ceramics Exhibition, Asahi Shimbun Award
Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition, Selected
Workers' Art Exhibition, Minister of Labor Award
Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, Selected
Governor's Rotation, Saga Prefectural Governor's Award
Asia Craft Exhibition, Selected
And many others