About the Works Artist: Eiichi Shōfū 松風栄一 Title of work: Decorative Porcelain Jar “Sometsuke with Overglaze Enamels” On the smooth white porcelain surface, delicate sometsuke brushwork in shades of blue depicts leaves embracing a small bird gently pecking at bright red berries. This fleeting moment of life—quiet yet vibrant—is captured with lyrical sensitivity, evoking the stillness and vitality of nature. In contrast, geometric motifs in akae (red enamel) and gold unfold rhythmically across the opposite side, creating a dialogue between nature and abstraction. The nuanced gradation of blue breathes with subtle motion, while the warm red and gold accents lend a refined sense of radiance. This work epitomizes Eiichi Shōfū’s lifelong pursuit of serene purity and modern harmony. It stands as a quintessential Kyo-yaki creation—where restraint and elegance meet poetic vitality, embodying the timeless beauty of Japanese porcelain artistry. Kyo-yaki, or Kyoto ware, is one of Japan’s most refined traditions of ceramics, known for its elegance, sophisticated forms, and delicate use of color. It traces its origins to the early 17th century, when Nonomura Ninsei established the Omuro kiln near Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto. Unlike regional wares defined by a single clay or firing method, Kyo-yaki is characterized by its artistic diversity—freely combining techniques such as underglaze blue (sometsuke), overglaze enamels (akae), and gold decoration. Ranging from tea ceremony utensils to vividly decorated jars, Kyoto ware embodies the ideals of miyabi (grace) and wa (harmony). Even today, contemporary artists continue to reinterpret this tradition, merging refined craftsmanship with modern sensibility to shape the evolving art of Kyo-yaki. Size: Width: 19.5 cm Height: 19 cm Weight: 2200g About the Artist Born in Kyoto in 1915, Eiichi Shōfū graduated from the Department of Design, Faculty of Crafts, at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1940. Bridging the fields of metalwork and ceramics, Shōfū became renowned for his elegant, modern forms that combined technical precision with poetic restraint. He made his debut at the 6th Shin-Bunten in 1943 with Cast Bronze Vase with Shell Motif, and later received major honors including the Hokuto Prize at the 9th Shin-Nitten (1953) and the Kikka Prize at the Nitten (1963). He served as a member and councilor of both the Kōfūkai and Nitten, contributing to the postwar development of Japanese decorative arts. In 1955, one of his works was purchased by the Soviet government and entered the collection of the Moscow Museum of Art. In 1965, he exhibited at the Contemporary Crafts Exhibition in Berlin, followed by shows in Italy, London, and Montreal, garnering international acclaim. In 1973, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston acquired one of his works for its permanent collection. Shōfū’s work is distinguished by refined porcelain forms with delicate underglaze blue (sometsuke) decoration, expressing serene clarity and modern compositional balance. His art, rooted in the Kyoto aesthetic tradition yet open to modernist abstraction, represents a vital chapter in the evolution of 20th-century Japanese ceramics. He passed away in Kyoto in 1991 at the age of 75. Posthumous retrospectives were held at the Canberra School of Art (1992) and the Tampere Art Museum, Finland (1996), cementing his legacy as one of Japan’s foremost postwar ceramic artists. Appearance Please see photos for details. Shipping Information Items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. Please note that we are unable to under-declare the value of an item or mark it as a gift for shipping purposes. Obligations of the importer Import duties, taxes and fees are not included in the bid price or shipping charges. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be before bidding or purchasing. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.