Please note: To bypass international transportation obstacles caused by the situation in the Middle East as well as the new policy in EU, this item is shipped via DHL. This premium service ensures reliable, timely delivery, though it results in a higher shipping rate. – Created by Tetsuhiko Ishijima (石嶋哲彦), an accomplished Japanese ceramic artist based in Mashiko – Winner of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award at the 22nd Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition in 2013 – Strong rounded jar form covered with an intricate field of rhythmic spiral decoration – Deep cobalt-blue surface contrasted with pale carved and raised lines, producing a powerful almost topographical effect – The spiral vocabulary recalls the Jomon-inspired motifs documented in Ishijima’s “Ancient Cloud” ceramic works – Approximate dimensions: height 18.5 cm × maximum width 16 cm Description A powerful contemporary Japanese ceramic vase by Tetsuhiko Ishijima (石嶋哲彦), one of the established artists of the modern Mashiko ceramic community. The vessel combines a classical rounded jar silhouette with an extraordinarily dense and energetic surface. Across almost the entire body, pale concentric lines twist into spirals, circles and flowing currents against a rich dark-blue ground. Rather than forming a conventional repeating pattern, the individual spirals collide, overlap and change direction, creating the impression of water currents, clouds, fingerprints, geological strata or ancient carved symbols. The decoration gives the vase remarkable visual movement despite the calm and compact form of the vessel itself. Jomon-Inspired Spiral Decoration The spiral pattern is particularly interesting within Ishijima’s wider body of work. A documented sculptural vase by the artist titled “Ancient Cloud” (古代雲) uses spiral motifs specifically described as deriving from patterns found on ancient Jomon-period pottery. The present vase employs a closely related visual vocabulary. The concentric lines spread organically across the rounded body rather than being organised into rigid geometric bands. Viewed from a distance they create an almost hypnotic overall pattern; viewed closely, individual spirals and irregularities become increasingly apparent. This relationship between ancient visual language and contemporary ceramic expression is one of the most distinctive aspects of the piece. Surface and Colour The deep cobalt to indigo-blue ground gives the vase considerable depth. Against it, the pale linear decoration appears almost illuminated. The glaze varies naturally around the body, becoming lighter and more subdued near the neck and foot. These differences prevent the surface from feeling mechanically uniform and emphasise the handmade quality of the work. The short neck provides an effective visual pause above the intensely decorated body. Its quieter grey-green and pale glaze contrasts with the dense blue spiral field beneath it. The resulting composition is carefully balanced: a calm silhouette carrying an exceptionally active surface. The Artist – Akihiko Ishijima Akihiko Ishijima began his ceramic training in 1974, studying in Hagi under potter Kaneta Sanzaemon. In 1979, he continued his studies at a royal arts and crafts school in Denmark before returning to Japan and establishing his kiln in Mashiko in 1981. His career subsequently developed through major exhibitions and competitions in Japanese contemporary ceramics. In 1989, Ishijima received the Japan Kogei Association Award at the 29th Traditional Craft New Works Exhibition. In 1993, he won the Grand Prize at the 2nd Flower Vessel Biennale. Further awards followed at the Tenri Biennale and the Shibaura Island Sculpture Competition. A major recognition came in 2013, when his work “N-FLOWER” received the Outstanding Work / Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award at the 22nd Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition. The same year, he also received an Excellence Award at a ceramics exhibition in Jingdezhen, China. The Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition The Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition was established in 1971 as a major national competition intended to evaluate ceramic artists beyond the boundaries of individual associations or schools. The exhibition encompasses traditional ceramics, free sculptural expression and functional ceramics, making recognition there particularly significant within modern Japanese ceramic art. Ishijima’s receipt of the Minister of Education Award therefore places his work firmly within the field of serious contemporary Japanese studio ceramics. Mashiko and Ishijima Ishijima established his kiln in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, in 1981 and has been associated with the region’s ceramic community ever since. Mashiko became internationally famous through the twentieth-century Mingei movement, but modern Mashiko extends far beyond traditional folk pottery. Artists working there have developed an exceptionally broad range of individual approaches, from functional tableware to large-scale sculptural ceramics. Ishijima’s work represents this more individual and experimental side of contemporary Mashiko ceramics. His vessels retain the physical presence and material character associated with the region while introducing highly personal patterns, surfaces and sculptural ideas. Form and Display At approximately 18.5 cm high and 16 cm across the widest part of the body, this vase has a substantial presence without requiring a large display space. The broad shoulder and rounded lower body create a strong silhouette, while the relatively narrow opening makes it suitable for a restrained floral arrangement. A single branch, grasses or a small group of seasonal flowers would work particularly well. However, because the surface decoration is so visually complete, the vase is arguably equally successful when displayed entirely without flowers. It functions naturally as a standalone ceramic artwork. Because the spiral decoration extends around the complete body, there is no single fixed front. Turning the vessel reveals new combinations of concentric circles and flowing lines, making it particularly suitable for freestanding display. Condition The vase appears to be in good overall condition. Variations in glaze, surface texture, colour and firing are inherent characteristics of handmade studio ceramics and form part of the artistic expression of the work. Minor signs of handling, age or previous display may be present. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. A compelling work by Akihiko Ishijima, combining the strong physical form of Mashiko studio pottery with a dense field of ancient-looking spiral motifs and the artist’s distinctive contemporary ceramic language. Shipping & Handling Shipping for this item may take approximately 7–14 days. I have confirmed this with Catawiki and obtained their approval. We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and decorative arts and carefully research the artists and historical background of the works we offer. Questions are welcome – we normally reply within 24 hours.