Item Description 藤井朱明 Fujii Shumei（1936-2017） "Asahi" Crane-Neck Single-Flower Vase (Tsurukubi Ichirin-zashi "Asahi") A graceful crane-neck single-flower vase (tsurukubi ichirin-zashi) titled "Asahi" (Morning Sun), crafted by Arita porcelain master Fujii Shumei. The elongated, slender neck characteristic of the tsurukubi form rises elegantly from a rounded body, embodying the refined aesthetic of traditional Arita ware. The "Asahi" glaze treatment evokes the warm glow of a morning sun, achieved through Fujii's mastery of porcelain firing techniques. A distinguished piece for ikebana (flower arrangement) or display in a tokonoma alcove, this vase exemplifies the artist's lifelong dedication to the classical Arita tradition enriched with personal artistic sensibility. Acquired directly from the artist's solo exhibition and held in a private Japanese collection ever since, this piece comes with full provenance and exceptional authenticity credentials. Size Height: approx. 30 cm Diameter: approx. 16 cm Weight Vase only: 1,150 g Vase with original wooden box: 1,800 g Include Original wooden box (tomobako) hand-inscribed by the artist with the title "Asahi," bearing the artist's signature and seal. An exhibition label affixed to the side of the box confirms the title and artist, and serves as evidence that the piece was acquired directly from the artist's solo exhibition. Condition Some minor scratches and soiling consistent with home storage; please refer to the photographs for full details. Artist Profile 藤井朱明 Fujii Shumei (1936–2017) was born in Arita, Saga Prefecture — the historic heartland of Japanese porcelain — into a family with generations of ceramic heritage. He began his training at the age of 15 and established his own Shumei Kiln in 1974. His work earned consistent recognition at Japan's most prestigious ceramic and fine arts exhibitions: he was selected for the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) fifteen times and attained the distinguished status of Nitten Associate Member (Kaiyū). His works were acquired by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on six separate occasions — a rare distinction that reflects their standing as cultural ambassadors of Japan. Among his major awards: the Minister of Education Award at both the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition, the Japan Shinkogei Award, and the Saga Prefecture Arts and Culture Achievement Award (1994). He is celebrated for his signature technique of pressing natural tree leaves into underglaze blue (sometsuke) designs, capturing the changing seasons of Arita with delicate precision. NOTICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.