Flower Vase [Carp and Wave]

This is a design by Chitojin of the Imari Toen. Chitojin was born in Kyoto. He aspired to be a Japanese-style painter, but when he failed to achieve recognition, he changed careers to become a ceramic artist.
Chitojin pursued his own artistry and persisted in creating uncompromising works. His path was by no means smooth or easy, but his attitude was full of the pride and conviction of a true artist, and this has been passed down to the artisans of Imari Toen.

The original gosu (cobalt blue pigment) blend is made based on color samples devised by Chitojin. The line drawing of the pine trunk, etc., uses Chitojin's unique brushwork with strong and weak lines.
For the "shibori-dam" technique, the brush is soaked in gosu and squeezed out while drawing. The artisan tilts the vessel with their free hand while applying the dam, and then uses the brush to soak up any pooled gosu. Skilled artisans make fine adjustments to create gradations of color.

In Kyoto, there is a place called "Ichijō-kudari-matsu" where Miyamoto Musashi fought the Yoshioka clan. Chitojin named this pine tree design "Kudari-matsu" (Descending Pine). Perhaps he saw his own solitary struggle in Imari, far from his hometown of Kyoto, reflected in the lone warrior Miyamoto Musashi.

Care Guide
- Dishwasher not safe