{"title":"Kitajima Shigemitsu ✟","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/files\/3F48A65E-BAD4-478F-AED1-3F84B1BAF554_1_105_c_480x480.jpg?v=1730558351\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKitajima Shigemitsu (b. 1942) was born in the heart of the Echizen pottery region and became a ceramicist in 1973 after working as a painter since 1961. Kitajima opened the Namiyose kiln on his property, named after the remote district of Fukui City. A large part of his work is based on Ko-Echizen (Old Echizen) from the 12th to 16th centuries, which is why he built two additional \u003cem\u003eanagama \u003c\/em\u003e kilns alongside a \u003cem\u003enoboroigama\u003c\/em\u003e. These will be continued by his daughter, Namiyosagama Keiko, after his death. From the remaining pieces, which are managed by his surviving wife, I regularly offer items in this collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"kitajima-shigemitsu-chawan","title":"Kitajima Shigemitsu Chawan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2e2e2e; font-family: inherit;\"\u003eChawan, stoneware 15 x 13.8 x 6.4 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis chawan was crafted by \u003cstrong\u003eKitajima Shigemitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e in Echizen. Kitajima founded Namiyose-gama in 1975 and dedicated decades to the traditional ceramics of his home region. His work draws on the long history of Echizen ware, one of Japan's six ancient ceramic centers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bowl has a deliberately simple, understated, slightly oval shape. The rim, which flares out slightly, and the robust, compact body give it a tranquil appearance. Its vibrant surface is particularly distinctive: earthy brown and gray tones are shot through with fine lighter areas and natural irregularities. The ash-fall glaze from the wood firing and the texture of the clay remain visible, giving the chawan its original, characteristic Echizen expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior reveals a warmer, reddish-brown hue, creating an appealing contrast with the rougher exterior. The understated design draws attention to the material, form, and firing, reflecting Kitajima's aim to create ceramics that are powerful yet warm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chawan comes in a \u003cstrong\u003ewooden box (tomobako) signed by the artist\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Namiyosegama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55105592066377,"sku":"Shigemitsu Chawan 10","price":140.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/files\/LP140108_a8249d3a-fa03-4130-8f14-a8cac3594220.jpg?v=1787213343"},{"product_id":"echizen-teller-27","title":"Kitajima Shigemitsu Plate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2e2e2e; font-family: inherit;\"\u003ePlate, stoneware \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"\u003eDiameter 20.1 cm, height: 4.5 cm  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis plate was made by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKitajima Shigemitsu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in Echizen. Kitajima founded Namiyose-gama in 1975 and dedicated decades to the traditional ceramics of his home region. His work builds upon the long history of Echizen-yaki, one of Japan's six ancient ceramic centers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate was fired in a wood-burning kiln and impressively displays the characteristic aesthetic of traditional Echizen ceramics. Rather than a decorative glaze, the natural clay, the movement of the flames, and the fly ash created during firing determine the appearance of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface is defined by warm earth and red tones, ranging from dark brown to lighter, ochre-colored areas. Particularly striking is the irregular reddish area in the center. It blends softly into the darker sections and allows one to glimpse the movement of the fire during firing. Along the rim, lighter traces of ash deposits have formed, adding additional depth to the otherwise dark surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine throwing marks and the slightly irregular shape preserve the immediate character of the handcrafted production. Due to the wood firing, each area of the plate is exposed differently to heat, flame, and ash deposits. The resulting color gradients and surface textures are not applied afterwards, but are immediate traces of the firing process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate thus combines a simple, functional form with the powerful and nature-connected expression for which Kitajima's work and the tradition of Echizen-yaki are known.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #2e2e2e;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Namiyosegama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55105622147401,"sku":"Shigemitsu Teller 4","price":65.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/files\/LP140116_d08c3d3a-8413-4dec-ba45-7a345939bd39.jpg?v=1787214582"},{"product_id":"kitajima-shigemitsu-schale","title":"Kitajima Shigemitsu Bowl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2e2e2e; font-family: inherit;\"\u003ePlate, stoneware 14.8 x 9 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis bowl was made by \u003cstrong\u003eKitajima Shigemitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e in Echizen. Kitajima founded Namiyose-gama in 1975 and dedicated decades to the traditional ceramics of his home region. His work draws on the long history of Echizen-yaki, one of Japan's six ancient ceramic centers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe exterior displays a nuanced spectrum of dark gray, brown, and muted reddish tones. Depending on the angle, the traces of fire become more or less pronounced, so the bowl changes its expression from different viewpoints. Fine ash deposits and small inclusions enliven the otherwise deliberately minimalist surface.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParticularly striking is the incised design of the wall. Several horizontal lines encircle the body of the vessel and are broken by diagonal incisions. The geometric pattern remains subtle and blends into the rough texture of the clay rather than overpowering it. Visible throwing marks further emphasize its handcrafted production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWood firing makes each bowl unique: flames, heat, and fly ash react directly with the clay, creating color gradations and surfaces that cannot be fully controlled or replicated. It is precisely this combination of simple form, understated decoration, and the natural traces of fire that is characteristic of Kitajima Shigemitsu's interpretation of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchizen-yaki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Namiyosegama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55105657831753,"sku":"Shigemitsu Schale 1","price":50.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/files\/LP140119_17fcf7a0-bec4-4982-b531-96dbc104c494.jpg?v=1787215326"},{"product_id":"kitajima-shigemitsu-schale-1","title":"Kitajima Shigemitsu Bowl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2e2e2e; font-family: inherit;\"\u003ePlate, stoneware 15 x 6.8 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis bowl was made by \u003cstrong\u003eKitajima Shigemitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e in Echizen. Kitajima founded Namiyose-gama in 1975 and dedicated decades to the traditional ceramics of his home region. His work draws on the long history of Echizen-yaki, one of Japan's six ancient ceramic centers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wide, slightly inward-curving body rests on a small foot and is accented at the rim by two opposing, knob-like handles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe surface displays the natural color variations typical of wood firing. Dark brown and gray tones alternate with warmer reddish areas. Particularly around the rim, patches of ochre to olive-brown ash deposits can be seen. On one side, the coloring densifies into an almost black band, while the opposite side appears considerably lighter. These distinct differences document the bowl's position in the kiln and the effects of flames and fly ash during firing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe exterior has a rough, granular texture, in which small mineral inclusions remain visible. In contrast, the horizontal throwing marks are clearly visible on the inside. A decorative glaze was omitted, allowing the clay and fire to create the actual design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith its archaic form and irregular surface marked by wood firing, the bowl is closely connected to the traditional aesthetics of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchizen-yaki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The partially uncontrollable processes of firing make each vessel a unique piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Namiyosegama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55107412033865,"sku":"Shigemitsu Schale 2","price":55.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/files\/LP140130_cd79b749-1dc4-415b-ab59-961fffaf427a.jpg?v=1787227906"},{"product_id":"kitajima-shigemitsu-schale-2","title":"Kitajima Shigemitsu Bowl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2e2e2e; font-family: inherit;\"\u003ePlate, stoneware 18 x 5.8 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis bowl was made by \u003cstrong\u003eKitajima Shigemitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e in Echizen. Kitajima founded the Namiyose-gama in 1975 and dedicated decades to the traditional ceramics of his home region. His work builds on the long history of Echizen-yaki, one of Japan's six ancient ceramic centers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wide-open, flat form has a simple and powerful appearance and highlights the surface created during firing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe interior is dominated by deep brown and reddish earth tones. Towards the rim, golden-brown to olive-colored ash deposits emerge, while fine throwing marks reveal its creation on the potter's wheel. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe exterior is particularly varied. Here, dark brown and yellow alternate with ochre areas. The irregular distribution of these color zones makes the movement of flame and ash in the wood kiln visible. The foot ring also bears distinct traces of firing and underscores the piece's original character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bowl requires no decorative painting. Its design arises instead from the simple form and the partially uncontrollable processes of wood firing. In this way, it embodies the nature-connected aesthetics of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchizen-yaki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and Kitajima Shigemitsu's engagement with the traditional ceramics of his home region in a particularly direct way.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Namiyosegama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55107435594057,"sku":"Shigemitsu Schale 3","price":50.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/files\/LP140142.jpg?v=1787228621"},{"product_id":"kitajima-shigemitsu-guinomi-50-ml","title":"Kitajima Shigemitsu Guinomi 50 ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2e2e2e; font-family: inherit;\"\u003eGuinomi, stoneware \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis \u003cem\u003eg\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003euinomi\u003c\/em\u003e by Kitajima Shigemitsu\u003cspan\u003e was fired in a traditional \u003cem\u003en\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eoborigama\u003c\/em\u003e (登り窯)\u003cspan\u003e, a wood-fired climbing kiln. Its small, compact form and fire-marked surface give the sake cup a particularly primal character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe body of the vessel displays warm reddish-brown earth tones that transition into golden-yellow and olive hues toward the rim. There, fly ash settled during firing and fused with the surface. Dark, almost black traces break through this lighter area, creating a lively, naturally formed interplay of colors. The effects of the wood firing are also clearly visible on the inside: brown, ochre, and golden tones blend irregularly into one another and are crisscrossed by small dark scorch marks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecorative painting is completely omitted. Instead, the clay, flame, ash, and the vessel's position in the \u003cem\u003enoborigama\u003c\/em\u003e determine its appearance. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe slightly irregular form and natural scorch marks make the guinomi a unique piece. It embodies Kitajima Shigemitsu's close engagement with traditional Echizen ceramics, in which the properties of the clay and the partially uncontrollable processes of wood firing are essential elements of the design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Namiyosegama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55107485270345,"sku":"Shigemitsu Guinomi 13","price":45.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/files\/LP140149.jpg?v=1787229047"},{"product_id":"kitajima-shigemitsu-chawan-1","title":"Kitajima Shigemitsu Chawan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2e2e2e; font-family: inherit;\"\u003eChawan, stoneware 14.5 x 5.5 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eChawan by Kitajima Shigemitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e was fired in a traditional wood-fired n\u003cem\u003eoborigama\u003c\/em\u003e (登り窯). Its wide-open form and surface completely marked by the fire are closely connected to the original aesthetics of Echizen-yaki.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior of the bowl is particularly expressive. Light beige, ochre, and gray tones flow seamlessly into darker brown areas. In the center, a dark, almost fan-shaped firing mark stands out, while stronger ash deposits and darker zones have formed at the rim. This gives the surface an almost landscape-like appearance, changing its character depending on the viewing angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior also clearly documents the course of the wood firing. Reddish-brown clay meets dark, partially glossy areas as well as yellowish-olive ash deposits. Small mineral inclusions and the visible throwing marks emphasize the original character of the material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pronounced foot ring shows several light spots where the bowl rested during firing. Such marks are directly part of the firing process and make the position of the vessel in the kiln traceable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo decorative glaze or painting is used. The actual design is created by the interplay of clay, flame, heat, and fly ash in the \u003cem\u003enoborigama\u003c\/em\u003e. As a result, this Chawan has a lively, non-reproducible surface and embodies Kitajima Shigemitsu's traditional approach to the ceramics of his home region of Echizen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Namiyosegama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55107494936905,"sku":"Shigemitsu Chawan 8","price":140.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/files\/LP140156.jpg?v=1787229446"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9851\/3737\/collections\/3F48A65E-BAD4-478F-AED1-3F84B1BAF554_1_105_c.jpg?v=1730667273","url":"https:\/\/japankeramik.de\/en\/collections\/kitajima-shigemitsu.oembed","provider":"Japan Keramik","version":"1.0","type":"link"}