Photograph courtesy of Jeff Shapiro
(1927-2008)
TSUJI SEIMEI established his interest in ceramics as a young boy and was able to successfully wheel-throw as early as eleven. While a youthful prodigy, he met the reigning masters of the day, including Tomimoto Kenkichi, Hamada Shōji, and Itaya Hazan. Residing and working in Tokyo for his entire career, he collaborated with his wife Tsuji Kyō (1930-2009), a well-respected ceramicist as well. Tsuji is most celebrated for his work in the traditional aesthetics of Shigaraki ceramics. He created not only functional vessels, including tea ware, but also sculptural forms often relating to the foreign ‘objets’ and antiques in his own collection and that of his antiques-dealer father.
Yakishime Shigaraki waterjar with uneven waist, crescent-shape sagar mark and matching cover
ca. 1977
Natural ash-glazed Shigaraki stoneware
8 1/2 x 6 3/4 x 6 1/2 in.
SOLD
Shigaraki triangle plate, entitled Hoshi-akari or "Star-light"
1982
Stoneware
3 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.
SOLD
Yakishime Shigaraki ceramic can with "peeled back" mouth
1988
Unglazed stoneware
8 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 5 in.
Inv# 9171
SOLD
Round wood-fired vessel with natural ash glaze and ash adhesive
ca. 1995
Stoneware
4 7/8 x 5 1/4 in.
SOLD
Yakishime Shigaraki low ceramic can with "peeled back" mouth
1985
Unglazed stoneware
5 6/8 x 6 in.
Inv# 10767
SOLD
Yakishime unglazed vessel with twisted ears and wide mouth
1980
Natural ash-glazed stoneware
10 x 6 x 5 1/2 in.
Inv# 6412
SOLD
Natural ash-glazed Shigaraki pumpkin-shaped waterjar
1970s
Shigaraki-style stoneware
7 x 6 1/2 in.
Inv# 9562
SOLD
