Shuhei Fujioka (藤岡周平), Japanese, b. 1947

An Iga Carved Oval Platter (伊賀 刻文楕円皿)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

A monumental Iga stoneware oval platter by Shuhei Fujioka, one of Japan's leading contemporary ceramic artists working in the Iga tradition. Hand-built in an organic, asymmetrical form, the platter combines the rugged beauty of traditional Iga ware with a distinctly sculptural sensibility. Rich natural fire effects, ranging from warm reddish-orange to deep olive green and charcoal grey, flow dramatically across the surface, revealing the unpredictable interaction of clay, ash, and flame during firing.

The broad serving surface is carved with sweeping linear motifs that converge toward a central accent, creating a rhythmic composition that recalls flowing water or the contours of the landscape. The substantial clay body, naturally undulating rim, and expressive textures embody the powerful aesthetic for which Iga ware is celebrated.

The platter is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and the original artist's documentation.

Dimensions

6cm(h) x 65cm(w) x 35cm(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.