Buzan Fukushima (福島武山), Japanese (b. 1944)

A Kutani Bowl with Aka-e Phoenix Decoration (九谷焼 赤絵鳳凰文 鉢)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989–2019)

About the work

An elegant Kutani bowl by Buzan Fukushima, a distinguished contemporary Kutani porcelain artist renowned for his mastery of fine red overglaze painting. Combining classical Japanese iconography with exceptional technical precision, the bowl exemplifies the refined artistry that has made Fukushima one of the leading figures in modern Kutani ware.

The bowl is generously potted with gently rounded sides rising to a broad, slightly everted rim. The exterior is finished in a rich iron-brown glaze, punctuated by evenly spaced gilt medallions that provide a subtle rhythmic contrast. At the centre of the interior, an exquisitely painted phoenix is rendered in delicate iron-red enamels, surrounded by scrolling foliage and stylised clouds. The composition is enclosed within finely painted geometric borders, demonstrating the extraordinary precision and control characteristic of Kutani overglaze decoration.

The bowl bears the artist's seal on the base and is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and the artist's information booklet.

Dimensions

18.3cm(h) x 7.6cm(w)

Footnote

Buzan Fukushima (b. 1944) is a distinguished Kutani porcelain artist based in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and a recognised Traditional Craft Master. Widely regarded as one of the foremost practitioners of Kutani Aka-e Saibyō, he is celebrated for his remarkably intricate red overglaze paintings depicting geometric patterns, birds, flowers, landscapes, and figures. Born in Kanazawa, he graduated from the Design Department of Ishikawa Prefectural Technical High School in 1963. In 1998, he received the Prime Minister's Award at the 23rd National Traditional Craft Products Exhibition, and in 2003 he became a member of the Ishikawa Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property Kutani Ware Preservation Society. He later served as Chairman of the Kutani Traditional Craftsmen's Association and continues to preserve and teach the Kutani tradition through his studio in Nomi City, where he has trained numerous apprentices.