This powerful flower vessel by Shinoda Giichi is a heavily layered, deep indigo sometsuke. While moving through the piece, glimmers of green, turquoise, and brown glimmers, like a calm body of water. Multiple layers of the glaze create the deep blue, with cobalt and iron exposing themselves after the firing process. The gentleness of the water is enhanced by the attractive lip, like the lake or ocean surface is hit by a water droplet.

Shinoda Giichi was Japanese ceramic artist born in Nagano Prefecture in 1924. Active through the Shōwa and Heisei eras, he made a lasting impact on modern Japanese ceramics. In 1942, he began studying under the Living National Treasure Kondo Yuzo—later becoming his son-in-law through marriage to Kondo’s second daughter. While Kondo was known for his mastery and research of gold decoration (kinsai), Shinoda also explored this field and became known for developing a technique that improved the durability of gold application over time. This technical innovation became a hallmark of Shinoda’s work, reflecting both respect for tradition and a drive toward advancement.

As his career progressed, Shinoda became known for creating highly decorative works that incorporated painterly elements and a distinctive use of deep indigo tones. These richly colored pieces, marked by both technical precision and artistic expression, reflect his unique sensibility and elevated sense of surface design. Shinoda held several influential roles in the Japanese ceramics world, serving as Chief Judge of the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition and as a juror for the Japan Traditional Crafts New Works Exhibition and the China International Ceramic Exhibition, among others.

His work is included in major collections, including a porcelain bowl with an underglaze blue floral design created in 1962, which is held by the National Crafts Museum. In recognition of his contributions to the field, Shinoda was named a Cultural and Artistic Contributor by Matsumoto City in 1991 and by Nagano Prefecture in 1992.

This elegant porcelain vase by Shinoda Giichi reflects his deep connection to nature and materials. Made using mountain spring water, the piece is finished with a rich indigo glaze that appears almost black, yet reveals soft blue tones in the light.Its smooth, wheel-thrown form and quiet luster give it a calm, dignified presence, making it an excellent example of Shinoda’s refined and thoughtful approach to clay.

Biography

1924　 Born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan

1942　 Studied under Kondo Yuzo

1946　 Established a climbing kiln in Asama, Matsumoto City

1949　First selected for the Nitten

1953　Served as a judge for the Nagano Prefecture Exhibition

1958　 Awarded the Asahi Ceramic Art Prize

1961　 Awarded the Japan Ceramic Society Prize

1962　 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition

1964　 Won the Japan Traditional Crafts New Works Exhibition Japan Crafts Association President’s Award

The work was purchased by the Ministry of Education

1968　 Served as the Chief Judge for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition

1970　 Invited to exhibit at the Biennale International Ceramic Art Exhibition

1983　 Held the 40th Anniversary Exhibition of his ceramic works

1985　 Held the 20th Anniversary Exhibition at the Takashimaya in Nihonbashi, Tokyo

1991　 Recognized as a Cultural and Artistic Contributor by Matsumoto City

1992　 Recognized as a Cultural and Artistic Contributor by Nagano Prefecture

2010　 Died