Vase - Porcelain - Japan - Camel Caravan Motif

Product Description

This is a set comprising a ceramic plaque (framed) and a decorative vase, produced through a collaboration between Fukagawa Seiji and the master Japanese-style painter Hirayama Ikuo (1930–2009). It represents a rare combination within the world of Arita ware.

The design is inspired by the "Silk Road" series — one of Hirayama's most celebrated bodies of work — depicting camel caravans and travellers rendered as sepia-toned silhouettes against a dreamlike desert landscape evocative of ancient trade routes through Iran, Iraq, China, and beyond. The same motif adorns both the ceramic plaque, set within a wooden frame with a linen mat, and the rounded body of the vase, allowing the two pieces to be displayed together with a harmonious sense of unity.

Please note that this work was produced as an officially licensed product featuring Hirayama Ikuo's designs by Fukagawa Seiji; it is not a hand-painted original by Hirayama himself, but rather a reproduction realised in ceramic and porcelain form. The quality of the porcelain is nonetheless high, reflecting the craftsmanship that has distinguished Fukagawa Seiji — one of Arita ware's most acclaimed kilns both in Japan and abroad — since its founding in the Meiji era.

「This is an extraordinarily rare and fascinating set that is difficult to find, exuding an exotic atmosphere imbued with the romance of ancient trade routes. It combines Fukagawa Seiji's master porcelain with the distinguished artistic achievements of Ikuo Hirayama (1930–2009), a Japanese-style painter and educator from Hiroshima Prefecture who graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1952 under Seison Maeda. Internationally renowned for his masterpieces depicting the 'Silk Road'—fantastical desert landscapes reminiscent of ancient trade routes through Iran, Iraq, China, and surrounding regions—Hirayama served twice as president of his alma mater, became the first Japanese national appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1988, received France's Légion d'honneur in 1996, and was awarded Japan's Order of Culture in 1998, with his works held in collections such as the British Museum while he dedicated himself to cultural heritage preservation like protecting the Bamiyan Buddha statues. This harmonious matching set of a framed ceramic plaque and a decorative vase features a sepia-toned silhouette of camel caravans against a dreamlike landscape, beautifully realized through the timeless craftsmanship of Fukagawa Seiji.」

Artist Profile

Hirayama Ikuo (1930–2009) was a Japanese-style painter and educator from Hiroshima Prefecture. He graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1952 and studied under Maeda Seison. He is internationally renowned for his "Silk Road" series, depicting fantastical desert landscapes reminiscent of the ancient trade routes of Iran, Iraq, China, and surrounding regions. He served twice as president of his alma mater, and in 1988 became the first Japanese national to be appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. He was awarded France's Légion d'honneur in 1996 and Japan's Order of Culture in 1998. His works are held in the collection of the British Museum, and he devoted considerable effort to the preservation of cultural heritage, including efforts to protect the Bamiyan Buddha statues.

Dimensions

Ceramic Plaque
Height: 16 cm
Width: 23 cm

Decorative Vase
Height: 15.5 cm
Width: 16 cm
Depth: 16 cm

Weight

2,730 g (combined set)

Condition

Neither the ceramic plaque nor the vase shows any signs of deterioration such as chips or cracks. As items that have been in long-term storage, the original boxes show some age-related wear, but the pieces themselves remain in good condition.

Additional Information

Manufacturer: Fukagawa Seiji (Arita ware, Saga Prefecture), established 1894
Design collaboration: Hirayama Ikuo, "Silk Road" series
Materials: Porcelain (ceramic plaque and vase), wood and linen (frame)

NOITICE:

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.
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