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VASE, URAKAMI ZENJI 1914-2006 BIZEN
Description
Vase by Urakami Zenji 1914-2006
This Bizen stoneware vase is characterized by its rough appearance, with round traces called "mochi" because they evoke the pastry of the same name and accidental drips resulting from the kiln firing process. The rough texture and natural terracotta nuances result from the traditional reduction firing method in anagama or noborigama kilns, without glazing, which gives rise to unpredictable organic patterns, typical of the pottery's reaction to fly ash and the intense heat of the kiln. This technique gives a unique character to each piece, embodying both the spontaneity and the mastery of the potter.
Urakami Zenji (1914-2006) was born in the village of Ibe, renowned for its production of Bizen ceramics. After studying under Shunko Nishimura, a leading figure in Japanese ceramics, Urakami fully committed himself to the art of pottery. In 1935, he became a disciple of Nishinozomi Kitamura, a prominent member of the Academy of Arts, where he refined his approach to sculptural and ceramic forms. In addition to pottery, he was interested in sculpture, particularly woodcarving, which he studied with Shin Naito, as well as drawing with Saburo Okada and Sakujiro Okubo.
Skilled in creating animal figurines and bronze sculptures, Urakami also excelled in large-scale ceramic architectural projects, such as the ceramic wall at Okayama Airport and the ceramic statue Kojima Takanoriko. In 1973, he received the 300th Anniversary Salon First Prize for his cow figurine and, in the same year, was named an Intangible Cultural Treasure of Okayama Prefecture.
During his career, he was awarded numerous prizes, including the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Prize, the Miki Memorial Prize, and the Grand Prix of the Paris Salon Exhibition.
His death in 2006 marked the end of a prolific career dedicated to ceramics and sculpture.
21.5 x 10cm approximately
Tomobako signed
Unavailable
