Fujihira Shin

(1922-2012)

Born in Higashiyama-Gojozaka, Kyoto, Fujihira Shin was the son of Fujihara Seichi, a ceramicist who established the Fujihira Pottery Company in 1916 in Kyoto. The family rented kiln space from master ceramist Kawai Kanjirō, who was an early influence on the young Fujihira. Inspired by Kawai Kanjirō’s Mingei (folk art) Movement, Fujihira created functional vessels as well as delightful, often humorous, ceramic forms. Having studied with the Kyoto master Kiyomizu Rokubei VI, Fujihira exceled at a variety of traditional glazing techniques. His unique, subtly-colored surfaces also added a rich texture to his vessels.