GALLERY

This cylindrical flower vase was made and fired in Kamakura using Bizen clay imported from Bizen by Rosanjin Kitaoji.
The towering figure is beautiful, and the sharp spatulas that Rosanjin applies are strong and severe.
With only three engraved lines, it fascinates the viewer.
Rosanjin drilled a hole just below the nail engraved "ㇿ" sign on the back of the vase for hanging it, but it is now filled with lacquer.

Rosanjin Kitaoji　北大路 魯山人

1883
Born in Kamigamo Kitaoji, Kyoto.

1907
Began his career as a calligrapher in Tokyo.

1916
Wandered around Korea, China, Shiga, Fukui, and Kanazawa. Returned to Kyoto.
1919 Opened his antique shop in Tokyo.

1921
Began 'Bishoku club' (Gourmet's club) which serves his food with his collections.
1925 Began 'Hoshigaoka Saryo'. (Members-only restaurant)

1928
Built 'Hoshigaoka kiln' in Kamakura for producing dishes used in the restaurant.
His reputation rose as his works exhibited in department stores and the restaurant.

1935
Started focusing on producing ceramics.
1936 Left the management of the restaurant. 

1937
The first exhibition of his new works held at Ginza Kuroda Touen.

1939
The Hoshigaoka kiln was blisk holding about 50 staff around this year. 

1942
Evacuation in Ishikawa prefecture. Produced lacquer ware there.

1954
Held a solo exhibition in New York, invited by Rockefeller Foundation.
Visited U.S. and Europe. 

1955
Declined certification of a living national treasure.

1956
Actively held exhibitions in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nagoya.

1959
Passed away at the age of 77.