Vase in an ovoid form with a high collar-like foot, ornamented with abstract patterns. Of kanshitsu or dry lacquer, executed in choshitsu or carved lacquer and in takamakie-e or raised black, red, yellow and tan colored lacquers. By Fujisawa Junji (Fujisawa Junji, who also used the go or art name of Fujisawa Jun, 1919 – after 1970). Showa era, circa 1950 – 1960.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed in the exterior of the lid: Kanshitsu Kahei Tsubomi Mon or Dry Lacquer Vase (in a) Flower Bud Motif; and on the reverse of the lid signed: Junji, and sealed: Jun.

Included in the box is a handwritten document (dating from 1960 or earlier) that states that Fujisawa Junji won a total of seven awards at exhibition for his work, and first began to exhibit in Showa 16 (1941). Thus far, we have been unable to independently confirm this information.

Born in 1919 in the village of Yasuhara in Kagawa Prefecture, Fujisawa Junji graduated from the Takamatsu School of the Industrial Arts in 1937. He then moved to Tokyo to study at the Tokyo School of Fine Art, from which he graduated in 1944. In 1953 – 1955, he exhibited at the 8th – 10th government-sponsored Nitten art exhibitions, a venue to which he also returned in 1957 – 1958, for the 12th – 13th Nitten, and in 1970 to the 2nd Reformed Nitten.

In the 1950s, artists like Fujisawa Junji approached modernism and abstraction with an amazing exuberance. Informed by high standards of craftsmanship, their imagery loosens the ties to the natural world which inspired it. Abandoning all sense of reserve, bold treatments of color and shape dominate the work.

This vase is now in the collection of the Denver Art Museum.