Vase, stoneware, Fujiwara Yu, Japan, 1970s
A straight-sided stoneware vase with sunken shoulders, no neck and a small central opening. The vase is decorated with a mottled yellow/brown saltglaze on one side and top of the body. A metal lug with a loop attached protrudes from one side. The vase sits within a wooden box. This is secured with a blue and white textile cord that threads through the base of the box. The front of the box is signed in red and black Japanese script.
(-1) Vase
(-2) Box
(-3) Box lid

Designed by Fujiwara Yu (b 1932). After the publication of Bernard Leach's 'A Potters Book' in 1940, his 'Anglo-Oriental' aesthetic was very influential on the developing studio pottery movement in Australia. This philosophy was developed around the thoughts of Japanese philosopher Soetsu Yanagi, and developed through the work of Leach and his friend Shoji Hamada (1894-1978). Both Leach and Hamada visited Australia in the 1960s Hamada was the first of many Japanese potters to come to Australia, and was followed, among others, by Fujiwara Yu (b. 1932) in 1973. In her official role within the Potters Society, Mrs McPherson entertained all these people, and the pots from Shoji Hamada and Fujiwara Yu are related to their visits to Australia.
See range of catalogue entries in blue file.

Made by Fujiwara Yu, 1970s.

1970s

Mrs Joan McPherson (mother of the donor, d. 1996) and her husband acquired this vase when Fujiwara Yu had been hosted by the McPhersons in Australia in 1973, or in Japan when the McPhersons where guests of Fujiwara Yu in late 1970s.

Gift of Lindy Francis under the Tax Incentives Program, 1997

97/263/6

1965