Suna Fujita “Ceramics of People, Animals, and Plants”
I visited Suna Fujita’s Tokyo solo exhibition “Ceramics of People, Animals, and Plants.” The venue is 8/ ART GALLERY/ Tomio Koyama Gallery, on the 8th floor of Shibuya Hikarie.
“Suna Fujita” is a duo formed by Shohei Fujita and Chisato Yamano.
Based in Kyoto, they are known as popular artists — at their local exhibitions, queues reportedly begin forming from 5 a.m.
As the title suggests, this show features covered vessels, tea bowls, teacups, cups, ceramic spoons, teapots, chopstick rests, and plates, all with motifs of people, animals, and plants — all for sale.
The works are full of humor, with meticulous painting down to the smallest detail.
The inside of the sake cups is painted as well.
The three-dimensional modeling is also outstanding.
All works were sold by lottery.
Each person could apply for up to five pieces.
Prices range from around 5,000 yen for small pieces like chopstick rests, up to a maximum of just under 50,000 yen for covered vessels, with the central range around 10,000 to 30,000 yen. The pricing struck me as relatively affordable.
The gallery drew a crowd of many young women — a different audience from the usual gallery atmosphere.
Note that this gallery will be closing after this exhibition and the next one. Truly regrettable…
