Hi, my name is Jun, and I am an artist based in Tokyo. For over forty years, my life has been devoted to painting, printing, traveling, and creating tile art.

In 1998, during one of my occasional visits to Portugal, I had the remarkable opportunity to encounter tile art—an art form that had eluded me throughout my entire art education. This traditional Portuguese craft is renowned for its mesmerizing blue and white tile panels, adorning the grand interiors of palaces, aristocratic estates, and tranquil convents. The elegance of the blue and white combination immediately captivated me, as the restricted color range presented endless possibilities for my artistic subjects. Moreover, the techniques involved—painting, retouching, drypointing, and repainting after firing—filled me with an exhilarating sense of excitement. Since that pivotal moment, I have become utterly enthralled by the allure of tiles, and even after two decades have passed, they continue to inspire me and provoke daily contemplation.

One day, a question arose within me: why does the blue and white combination hold such undeniable attraction, despite my proficiency in working with a multitude of colors during my years of study for my Bachelor's and postgraduate degrees? Determined to seek an answer, I embarked on an extensive quest, delving into the history of blue itself. My research encompassed diverse facets, ranging from the origins of blue and white porcelain and the extraction of cobalt ore to the exploration of blue stone and its intricate trading routes, spanning from China to Samara, Afghanistan, and Egypt. The wealth of information I encountered seemed infinite, as each discovery about "blue" appeared from every corner of the world. For instance, I came across accounts of the oldest blue dye in Chile, marveled at the presence of blue masks in Maya and Aztec cultures, and admired the art of blue tattoos in Taiwan. Even the blue houses of Morocco and the significance of lapis lazuli, Maya blue, blue eggs, blue katinas, butterflies, folk tales, songs, and poems contributed to the vast tapestry of knowledge surrounding the color.

In 2020, my tireless study culminated in the publication of a book titled "Cerimonia Azul" (ISBN 978-4-8441-3770-2). Through its release, I confirmed that my infatuation with "blue" was not an isolated phenomenon. Instead, it proved to be an integral part of human history, woven deeply into the fabric of our existence long before the rise of civilization. I regard blue as an enduring thread that connects the very inception of human birth to the unfathomable depths of our everlasting futures.

If, through my artworks, you have discovered and embraced the profound power and eternal beauty of blue, it would bring me tremendous joy. Indeed, it is a truly magnificent experience.

Warm regards,

Jun Shirasu
Artist and Owner of Garden Aquatics Shop