Fujita Syo
Expressing the natural beauty of Bizen clay as it truly is cannot be achieved overnight. We never compromise in selecting our clay, taking the time and care to refine it, and pursuing forms and expressions that best suit each material. Even when the results overturn conventional notions of Bizen ware, we continue to face its true essence. Beyond the traditional concept of “the beauty of utility,” we aim to create creative Bizen ware that transcends fixed frameworks and boundaries.
PROFILE
Biography
Held his first solo exhibition at Tokeido Main Store in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Traveled across the United States for two months (San Francisco to New York), deepening exchanges with ceramic artists and firing climbing kilns and anagama kilns in Iowa
“Bizen in Iowa” exhibition at The Ceramics Center (Iowa)
Group exhibition at Sara Japanese Pottery (New York)
Group exhibition at the Urasenke New York Branch
“Chawan” exhibition at Ippodo Gallery (New York)
Exhibited at Gallery Jodo Mako (Taipei); permanent exhibition thereafter
Solo exhibition at Mugen-an Ginza; permanent exhibition thereafter
Group exhibition at Yixian Zhan (Taipei) (also in 2019)
Created a custom-made three-tier jubako set for Pur’ - Jean-François Rouquette (one Michelin star) at Park Hyatt Vendôme, Paris
Opened BIZEN gallery Kai in Inbe, Bizen City
Participated in art fairs in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Taipei, and the Philippines
Numerous solo and group exhibitions at department stores and galleries in Japan
Participated in art fairs in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Taipei, and the Philippines
Numerous solo and group exhibitions at department stores and galleries in Japan
Affiliations
Bizen Pottery Association (Bizen-yaki Toyukai)
Awards
- Selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition
- Selected for the Chugoku Branch Exhibition of the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
- Additionally, participated in three-person exhibitions at Yonago Takashimaya and Fukuya Hatchobori Main Store, as well as numerous solo exhibitions at galleries.
My Definition of Bizen Ware
I define Bizen ware as pottery fired at high temperatures of 1200–1300°C using high-quality clay and minerals sourced from the Bizen region of Okayama Prefecture.
About Shiro-Bizen (White Bizen)
About Shiro-Bizen (White Bizen)
”White bizen” was popular during the Edo period. It was made from white clay containing various components mined in Japan. Syo Fujita uses pure white ceramic stones which excavated 156 meters underground from a mine in the Mitsuishi district of Bizen City and makes unglazed fired ware. The new White Bizen has high light transmittance. It's beautiful because it's created so transparently.
