Item Description A set of two Arita-ware vases by Fujii Shumei (1936–2017), a ceramicist born in Arita who exhibited repeatedly at the Nitten. The first is a tall cylindrical vase in a pale celadon-white (seihakuji) glaze. The upper portion is smooth and lustrous, while the lower half is decorated with finely carved relief patterns evoking ripples on a water surface. The rim features overlapping folded edges that lend sculptural character to the otherwise simple cylinder. The base bears the artist's carved signature. Works by Shumei Fujii are exceptionally popular in Japan and highly sought after by collectors at high valuations. Acquiring this matched set featuring both white and black pieces makes for a truly valuable and rewarding addition to any collection. The second is a slender-necked bottle-form vase in a deep, lustrous tenmoku glaze. The rounded body is scattered with silver-white plum blossom motifs. A small wooden tag inscribed "Nitten Kaiyu Shumei" is included. Artist Profile Fujii Shumei was born on January 16, 1936, in Arita, Saga Prefecture. He entered a ceramics company and aka-e (overglaze red) painting studio at the age of fifteen, and in 1974 opened his own Shumei Kiln. He was first accepted into the Nitten in 1962 and went on to be selected a total of fifteen times. His works were purchased by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on six occasions. He received numerous awards, including the Minister of Education Award at the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition, the Japan New Crafts Award at the Japan New Crafts Exhibition, and the Saga Prefecture Arts and Culture Merit Award in 1994. He developed his own distinctive "leaf technique," in which fresh young leaves are pressed onto unfired clay surfaces to transfer their vein patterns, creating mountain landscape imagery. His works are held in the collection of the British Museum. Condition Both pieces have been visually inspected, and no conspicuous chips or cracks are apparent in the photographs. The foot rim of the celadon-white vase has minor grit-like particles adhering to it, attributable to the firing process. Please examine the photographs carefully. Size (biggest one) 21.5×13×13cm 736g Additional Information Artist: Fujii Shumei (Shumei Kiln) Origin: Arita, Japan Contents: Celadon-white cylindrical vase (with carved wave pattern), tenmoku plum blossom vase Signature: Carved on the base of the celadon-white vase Accessories: One box 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. 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. Please note: If you do not intend to pay after winning or bidding, please refrain from placing a bid. Thank you for your understanding. I appreciate your cooperation.