266. FUJIMOTO Hide, 1954- , 27 Peaces

266. FUJIMOTO Hide  藤本秀,  1954- , 27 Peaces 

For Fujimoto, see item no. 250. 

This consists of twenty-seven cubes, each fired in a different part of the kiln resulting in a variety of kiln effects. Each is unique, with a different surface color and texture, yet they fit together to form a precarious cube. The twenty-seven pieces support each other in a fragile peace, contributing to a infinitely variable structure depending on the order in which they are stacked and which side faces outward—a statement on the many ways humans can meld peacefully together. (The pun pieces/peaces is intentional. Fujimoto knows that “peaces” is unidiomatic English.) 

Light gray clay. Fired unglazed. The undecorated clay is visible on a few faces. The surface effects range from red and coral hi-iro colors to ash deposits resulting in gray and black colors, with some vitrification and shiseki deposits. Combined weight: 328 g (12 oz); with an average weight of 12 g (slightly less than half an ounce). Each cube is roughly 1.8 cm (3/4 in) on a side. They collectively form a cube of about 5.5 cm (2-1/4 in) on a side. 

These are rough cubes, with less than straight sides. They do not fit together smoothly. The surface texture varies from smooth to rough. 

Fired unglazed. About half of the cubes have ash deposits and are gray to black in color. The other half show hi-iro colors in reds and corals. A few sides were unaffected by the kiln and the natural clay color is evident. A few sides have vitrified natural ash glazing, and there are some spots of white shiseki deposits. 

This came in a wooden box inscribed on the front by Fujimoto in two lines: 27 / 藤本秀  (Fujimoto Hide), followed by his seal stamped in red.  Included in the box were an orange wrapping cloth, a short printed biography, and Fujimoto’s name card (meishi). 

Purchased from the Kura Monzen Gallery in Kyoto in October 2024, who received it directly from the potter in summer 2024. This was part of an exhibit entitled Shōka 昇華  (“sublime”), or Modern Masters in English, a show of fifteen currently active potters. The piece is discussed on the inside back cover of the exhibition catalog (invoice and shipping and customs documents).