Fujiwo Ishimoto (b. 1941) is a textile and ceramic designer from Japan. In 1974, Fujiwo Ishimoto became a permanent employee of Marimekko. He had previously worked at the Décembre company for four years, where he was involved in the design and production of Marimekko’s canvas bags, among other things. Fujiwo Ishimoto saw fabrics designed by Maija Isola in the 1960s in Tokyo and was so taken with them that he decided to fly to Finland to learn more about Marimekko and Finnish design. He has designed the Ujo towel collection for Marimekko, which is a classic of Marimekko’s terrycloth range, among other things. Fujiwo Ishimoto has been a ceramic designer in the Arabia Art Department since 1989, creating one-of-a-kind ceramic artwork. In the same year, he was awarded a scholarship from the Arabia Cultural Foundation.
The natural world and its phenomena influence Ishimoto’s works. His designs have basic forms that are coupled with vibrant exterior constructions and lavish ornamentation. Ishimoto has won the State Industrial Arts Prize, the Kaj Franck Design Prize, and Honourable Mentions at the Finland Designs show in 1983, 1989, and 1993, among other awards. He was given the Pro Finlandia Medal in 2011. His ceramics and textiles have been featured in several private and group shows. Fujiwo Ishimoto has also designed opera stage sets and costumes.
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL
Shop, F. D. (n.d.). Fujiwo Ishimoto. Finnish Design Shop. Retrieved November 7, 2021, from https://www.finnishdesignshop.com/Fujiwo_Ishimoto-d-58.html.
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