Black Bizen tea bowl

This is a black Bizen tea bowl by Sho Fujita, an artist who has been active since training at the Bizen Pottery Center following his studies in general art. By using clay that fires to a black color and avoiding the *goma* (ash glaze) effect, then adding unique animal carvings, the piece takes on a distinct atmosphere reminiscent of the bells found in Southeast Asian temples. This unique design, brimming with an Asian flair, features giraffes and fish carved into the foot, with cattle and goats on the front; each detail evokes the feeling of an oil painting or an ancient mural, representing a brilliant fusion of the various artistic disciplines Master Fujita has studied. Its profound, iron-like texture is sure to beautifully accentuate the vibrant green of the tea. Signed box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 11.8cm x Diameter 11.0cm x Height 9.0cm Sho Fujita was born in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, in 1978. In 1987, he began four years of study in general art under Western-style painter Kyoji Ono. In 1993, he studied drawing and design for three years under Western-style painter Hisamitsu Yamauchi. In 1997, he learned the fundamentals of ceramics from Yasuaki Kawasaki and Minoru Nakamura, and the following year, in 1998, he entered the Bizen Pottery Center. After completing the program there in 1998, he apprenticed for five years under Bizen ware artist Kazuya Hashimoto. In 2003, he was selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition. He became independent and fired his first kiln in 2004. In 2006, he was selected for the 49th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, Chugoku Branch. That same year, he also submitted work to and was selected for the 23rd Tanabe Museum of Art "Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition."