Artist: Shumei Fujii 藤井朱明 This elegant porcelain jar, titled “Asahi,” was created by the renowned Japanese ceramic artist Shumei Fujii. The term “Kotan” is used by the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and means “village.” In this piece, Fujii presents a poetic vision of the harsh yet fantastic scenery as seen from such a Kotan, located in an area renowned for its heavy snowfall. The jar’s rounded, swelling form serves as a beautiful canvas for a delicately painted winter landscape in cobalt blue. Rising from the snow-covered earth, a dense forest is depicted with depth and vigor, while softly misted woodland hills stretch into the distance, perfectly blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with a contemporary sensibility. The intricate rendering of the trees and the overlapping snowy ridgelines reveal masterful brushwork and a profound understanding of composition, infusing the entire piece with a sense of depth and lyricism. The gentle gradation of blue and white evokes the elegance of Arita ware, yet unmistakably highlights Fujii’s unique artistry. Celebrating both the tranquility and grandeur of nature, this work also represents the heights of Japanese porcelain art. It is accompanied by an artist-signed wooden box (tomobako), ensuring authenticity and enhancing its value as a collector’s item. This piece also reflects the traditions of Arita-yaki, the most representative porcelain of Japan, produced in the city of Arita and its surrounding area. It is characterised by its translucent white porcelain surface and the vivid colours produced with overglaze enamels. Extremely durable, Arita-yaki ranges from exquisite works of art to fine everyday wares. Known as “white gold” for its superior quality and beauty, it was officially recognised as a traditional craft by the Japanese government in 1977. About the Artist Shumei Fujii was born in Arita, Saga Prefecture in 1936, into a family with a long tradition of pottery. At the age of 15, he began his training as an apprentice in local red glaze workshops and ceramic companies. In his twenties, while working at a ceramics manufacturer, he continued to submit works to art exhibitions, and in 1962 his work was selected for the prestigious Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) for the first time. Over his career, he was selected a total of 15 times, receiving high acclaim for his artistry. After this milestone, he became independent as a decorator specialising in overglaze techniques, and in 1974 he established his own kiln, Shumei-gama. He gained further recognition by winning awards at major competitions, including the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition, where he received the Minister of Education Award. Fujii’s works were also purchased multiple times by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscoring his international reputation. In 1994, he was honoured with the Saga Prefecture Art and Culture Achievement Award. Although he later reduced public appearances and exhibition activities due to health reasons, his reputation continued to grow. His artistic legacy also lives on, as his eldest son has pursued his own distinctive style as a potter. Shipping from Japan with Tracking Number & Insurance. I promise fast shipping via FedEx or DHL as soon as possible! Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.