◆　Product Description A set of two Arita ware (porcelain) vases by Fujii Shumei (1936–2017). Both feature a deep, lustrous black tenmoku glaze adorned with silver-grey mottled plum blossom motifs. The rims are edged in reddish-brown. The first is a tall, bottle-shaped vase with a slender, slightly flaring neck and a rounded body. The second is a low, rounded vase with a short neck and a petal-shaped, undulating mouth. The body combines plum blossom motifs with horizontal bands resembling hakeme brushwork. Both bear incised marks on their unglazed white bases. A Rare and Harmonious Pair of Works by Shumei Fujii "Presenting an exceptional matched pair of ceramic masterpieces by the renowned Arita artist Shumei Fujii (1936–2017). Featuring a tall bottle-shaped vase and a rounded vase, this curated ensemble showcases the pinnacle of the artist's technical and aesthetic mastery. Though contrasting in silhouette—one soaring with a slender, elegant neck and the other presenting a grounded, organic form with a petal-shaped rim—both pieces share the same signature deep black tenmoku glaze, shimmering silver-grey plum blossom motifs, and the artist's innovative 'leaf technique.' Displaying these two distinct yet complementary forms together creates a powerful visual dialogue and a profound sense of balance. Acquiring a matched pair by this celebrated master is an exceptionally rare opportunity for serious collectors of modern Japanese ceramics." ◆　Artist Profile Fujii Shumei was born in Arita, Saga Prefecture, in 1936. He entered a aka-e (overglaze enamel) studio and ceramics company at the age of fifteen, where he honed his skills. In 1962 he was accepted into the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) for the first time, going on to be selected a total of fifteen times. His works entered the collection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on six occasions. In 1974 he established his own kiln, the Shumei-gama. He is known for his "leaf technique," in which fresh leaves are pressed against the clay body to transfer their vein patterns. He received numerous awards, including the Saga Prefecture Arts and Culture Merit Award in 1994, and his works are held in the collection of the British Museum, London. ◎　He is a renowned and accomplished Arita ceramic artist who repeatedly exhibited at the prestigious Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and later established his own "Shumei-gama" kiln, where he perfected original techniques such as unique tenmoku glazes and leaf-vein impression methods. ＞Major Museums Housing His Works＜」 Fujii Shumei's works are held in prominent museums both in Japan and internationally: The British Museum (London, UK): Known as a representative international collection, highly evaluating the artistic value of his works. Others: His works are also housed in public museums and cultural institutions domestically and internationally. 3. Major Awards & Recognition He has received numerous awards and honors at prestigious exhibitions, including Nitten: First Nitten Selection (c. 1962 / Showa 37): First selected for the Nitten exhibition with his piece "Kanryū" (Cold Current), going on to be selected a total of 15 times. (A prominent ceramic artist from Saga Prefecture) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Acquisitions: His works have been purchased by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a total of 6 times. Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition: Won the Minister of Education Award. (A prominent ceramic artist from Saga Prefecture) Japan New Crafts Exhibition: Won the Japan New Crafts Award. (A prominent ceramic artist from Saga Prefecture) Saga Prefecture Arts and Culture Merit Award (1994 / Heisei 6) Dimensions Tall bottle-shaped vase Height: 21.5 cm Width: 12 cm Depth: 12 cm Rounded vase Height: 14 cm Width: 16.5 cm Depth: 16.5 cm Weight Tall bottle-shaped vase: 786 g Rounded vase: 1,268 g Condition Both pieces are in good condition with a lustrous glaze. No chips or cracks are visible in the photographs. The unglazed base of the taller vase shows light staining and minor age-related wear consistent with use. Additional Information Set of two vases. Artist: Fujii Shumei, Arita ware (Saga Prefecture, Japan). Material: porcelain with black tenmoku glaze and silver-grey plum blossom decoration. Incised signature on the base. 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. 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