Colored Bizen ware flower vase

This is a Saishiki-Bizen (colored Bizen) flower vase by Anjin Abe, an artist who possesses profound insight and an aesthetic sensibility toward antique pottery, creating one-of-a-kind works through his unique research and firing techniques. Built upon a square-based form, this modern design evokes a much stronger sculptural impression than his previous works. By emphasizing the power of the surfaces, the matière of each face is heightened; when viewed as a flat plane, it resembles a painting, yet it stands as a three-dimensional sculpture, perfectly embodying the essence of Abe’s work. The scenery on the front is a masterpiece; true to his previous colored works, he has recreated the natural ash glaze (nagare-goma) using red pigments, resulting in a deeply striking appearance. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 14.2cm x Depth 14.1cm x Height 22.6cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. While he collected pottery as a hobby, he felt a lack of satisfaction with contemporary Bizen ware and began his pottery career in 1972 to create pieces that met his own standards. He frequently creates water jars, flower vases, flattened flasks, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups, all of which are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. He bases his pottery making on the aesthetics of Momoyama-period Bizen ware and is deeply committed to his firing process. He is also involved in diverse artistic activities, presenting works that combine various materials and techniques—such as ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze (mixed media). He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.