Posted 2 years ago
kwqd
(1185 items)
This tomobako's external dimensions are about 3.25" square x 2.75" high and includes the stamped turmeric cloth and paperwork. Of course, the cup (?) is missing, but still a neat artifact by a very well-known Kutani potter, Fujio Kitade (1919-2014).
It was described as "antique" missing" teacup". Unless FK was making pottery in the womb, this tomobako is not antique, but could well be vintage. Not sure what it held. It is too small for a yunomi, given the space left inside. Probably for a sake cup and one of mine fits into it quite nicely. The tomobako appears to have some age to it.
The documentation contains dates that help to date this tomobako to around 1975. The tomobako was likely made and inscribed by FK and the cloth was also probably cut and stamped by him, so this is still a notable artifact.
From dictionary of Japanese Potters, https://tinyurl.com/mb6xfc96
"Kitade Fujio ?????
1919-2014
male
kutani porcelain
Real name is Fujio, spelled with different the name of Japanese characters. Father is Tojiro. Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art. Won the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition Special Award and Hokuto Award and a judge and Council Member for the exhibition. Judge and Director for the Japan New Craft Art Association. Won the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition Award of Excellence and a judge for the exhibition. Judge for the Chunichi International Exhibition of Ceramic Arts. Won the Kaga Cultural Achievement Award. Won the Ishikawa TV Award and others. Designated as an intangible cultural property by the prefecture. Professor Emeritus at Kanazawa College of Art. Director of the Prefectural Ceramic Association. Works focus on overglaze, Sancai ware, and colorful glazes."
Text from the biography included with the tomobako:
"pottery history
twenty four years: Currently studying at Kanazawa College of Art
thirty eight years: First selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and later selected
thirty nine years: Selected for the Japan Contemporary
Craftsmanship Art Exhibition, and has been selected
continuously since then.
forty years: The 8th Nitten "Special Selection" "Hokuto Award"
forty-one years: Examiner for the 4th Asahi Pottery Art Exhibition, the
5th, 7th, 8th, 11th and 15th rounds of exhibition review
Same Year: Submitted to the Japan Contemporary Art Crafts Exhibition European Tour 45 Years America Traveling Exhibition
Submitted to the 1946 Chunan Traveling Exhibition
forty five years: Lecturer at Kanazawa University until 1950
forty-six years: Nitten Examiner
forty-eight years: Judge of the 1st Chunichi Shimbun International Ceramic Art Exhibition,
Examiner for the second, third and fifth exhibitions in the future
forty-nine years, fifty two years: In 1950, he was reappointed as a judge at the Japan Contemporary Art Crafts Exhibition.
now exist
Nitten member Councilor of Japan Contemporary Craft Artists Association
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art Special Committee
In 1958, "Research on Ko-Kutani" was announced in a comprehensive survey around Yamashiro Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. 1975, published by Tankosha.
Writing "Kutani"
Qingquan Kiln Kaga city, Eiya town
Kitade Fujio (Fujio)"
I love Japanese art packaging.
The whole concept of value and a safe place to store a very worthy item.
The artist signatures and stories are so special aren't they!
I agree, Karen. The packaging is part of the art and can even stand on its own as an art object.
Thanks kivatinitz, Kevin, Jenni, fortapache, jscott0363, Karen and dav2no1!
Thanks Reise and Cisum!
Thank you Leelani!