This Kutani ware ashtray is created by Fujio Kitade (1919–2014), a master of modern Kutani ceramics who served as professor and president of Kanazawa College of Art and was awarded both the Prime Minister Award at Nitten and the Prime Minister Award at the Japan New Craft Exhibition. Studying under his father, Tojiro Kitade, an innovator of modern Kutani ware—Fujio Kitade graduated from the Ceramic Arts Department of Kanazawa College of Art in 1950. He achieved continuous selections primarily at Nitten exhibitions while serving in key positions such as President of the Kutani Ware Technology Preservation Association, establishing his unique polychrome porcelain style that fuses the beauty of traditional Japanese overglaze pigments with modern graphic design sensibilities. His works are housed in institutions such as the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, earning him high acclaim as a master who dedicated his life to the modernization and elevation of Kutani ceramics.
The title of this work, "Jitsugetsushin" (Sun and Moon Renewed), carries a message derived from classical wisdom: "Renew oneself daily, constantly reborn anew alongside the sun and moon," symbolizing self-refreshment, growth, and eternal celebration. The flattened rim features segmented compartments based on the vibrant vermilion red of Kutani Akae, within which the three characters "日" (Sun), "月" (Moon), and "新" (New) are powerfully rendered against backgrounds of translucent Kutani Gosai (five-color) overglaze enamels in green, yellow, and purple, respectively. The sides display graceful white vertical stripes accented with abstract heart-shaped motifs in vivid green glaze, achieving a perfect balance between traditional overglaze painting techniques and contemporary graphic design aesthetics. The underside of the foot ring bears the mark "Kutani Fujio" painted in green glaze, fully demonstrating Fujio Kitade's sophisticated spatial expression achieved through meticulous brushwork and precise temperature control in the overglaze kiln.
This work is identified as an authentic piece created between 1980 and 1987, a mature period during which he served as a professor at Kanazawa College of Art until receiving the Prime Minister Award at Nitten. It comes in flawless condition, complete with its dedicated Tomobako (original wooden box) inscribed in ink with "Kutani Jitsugetsushin Ashtray" and "Fujio" accompanied by the artist's red seal. As a tabletop craft piece or art object to enhance interior spaces, it commands a remarkably strong aesthetic presence.
- Artist：Fujio Kitade (1919–2014)
- Artist's Key Activities：1950: Graduated from the Ceramic Arts Department of Kanazawa College of Art; first selected for Nitten; 1971, 1978, 1984: Served as Nitten judge; 1979: Appointed Professor at Kanazawa College of Art; 1987: Awarded the Prime Minister Award at Nitten; 1991: Appointed President of Kanazawa College of Art; awarded Chunichi Cultural Award; 1993: Awarded the Prime Minister Award at the Japan New Craft Exhibition; served as President of the Kutani Ware Technology Preservation Association and Professor Emeritus at Kanazawa College of Art
- Works Housed In：Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, Kanazawa College of Art, Kaga City Art Museum, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
- Period of Production：1980–1987
- Condition：Very good (no chips, no cracks, excluding age-related character typical of antique art)
- Accessories：Dedicated Tomobako (with "Kutani Jitsugetsushin Ashtray" and "Fujio" inscribed in ink with red seal on the lid), wrapping cloth (with artist's seal), original biography leaflet included
- Material：Porcelain (Kutani Iroe overglaze, Akae red enamel, Kutani Gosai five-color glaze, calligraphic character motif)
- Dimensions：Height approx. 6.0 cm, Diameter approx. 14.0 cm
- Caution：All products offered by our shop are historical items from an old production period and are listed as antique art / pre-owned items. Products may have subtle changes due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying the nature of antique art.
