26189 Living National Treasure Jiro Kinjo Fish Pattern Vase

Height 41.0cm
Diameter 23.0cm

A potter born in Naha City, he is a holder of the national intangible cultural property "Ryukyu Pottery" skill (the first Living National Treasure from Okinawa Prefecture).

Jiro Kinjo's fish pattern vase is one of his most famous works. The "fish pattern" comes from fish, which lay many eggs and raise them, and is loved as an auspicious pattern that symbolizes the prosperity of descendants. The vase is characterized by its solid, thick appearance and the powerfully carved fish pattern.

At the age of 13, Kinjo Jiro began studying pottery under Arakaki Eitoku, and was strongly influenced by Mingei movement advocates such as Hamada Shoji and Yanagi Soetsu, reflecting the concept of "beauty of utility" in his own work. His humorous "laughing fish" and other designs are known as representative of Kinjo's work.