Shuhei Fujioka (藤岡周平), Japanese, b. 1947
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An Iga Ware Flower Vase (伊賀花入)
Heisei Era (1989-2019)
About the work
A powerful Iga ware flower vase by Shuhei Fujioka, characterised by an upright, irregular form and strongly textured surface that emphasise the elemental qualities of clay and wood firing.
The tall body has been deliberately shaped with pronounced vertical ridges and faceted planes, giving the vessel an almost hewn, architectural appearance. Its asymmetrical mouth follows the rugged character of the body, while subtle distortions created during firing contribute to the spontaneous quality prized in Iga ceramics.
The surface displays a remarkable variety of natural kiln effects. Areas of pale ash glaze cascade down the upper body in creamy grey and olive tones, contrasting with darker sections of scorched brown and charcoal. Around the base, deposits of natural ash have developed into patches of green glassy glaze, while areas of exposed clay reveal warm orange and reddish tones. These variations are produced through prolonged wood firing, as flame and airborne ash interact directly with the clay.
The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), storage cloth and artist documentation.
Dimensions
25cm(h) x 12.5cm(w) x 11cm(d)
Footnote
Shuhei Fujioka (藤岡周平, b. 1947) is a distinguished Japanese ceramic artist known for his contemporary interpretations of Iga ware. Born in Ehime Prefecture, he graduated from Ritsumeikan University before studying ceramics at the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Training School under Mitsuo Tanimoto. In 1975, he established his own kiln in Ueno, Mie Prefecture, the historic home of Iga pottery. Since the late 1980s, he has held numerous solo exhibitions throughout Japan, and in 1995 was featured in a solo exhibition at the 4th International Contemporary Art Festival (NICAF), further establishing his reputation for bold, sculptural wood-fired ceramics.