Bizen-ware hand bowl

This is a Bizen hand-handled bowl by the timeless master Ken Fujiwara, a man who possessed both boldness and meticulousness. It is a work that incorporates a relaxed, robust rhythm within the orthodox style typical of Fujiwara. At first glance, it appears to be a modest, ordinary form, yet it subtly incorporates decoration that feels entirely natural. In particular, the oval shape of the bowl itself conveys a substantial sense of gravitas, with a powerful presence that draws the eye and makes it impossible to look away. Combined with the powerful treatment of the foot, it seems as though it is suctioned to the ground, never to let go. This piece was exhibited at the "20th Anniversary of Ceramics Career: Ken Fujiwara Pottery Exhibition" held at Takashimaya in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, in 1967. The original exhibition catalog is included.

Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 25.2cm x Diameter 23.6cm x Height 12.0cm

Ken Fujiwara (1924–1977) began his study of ceramics in 1946 under his uncle, Kei Fujiwara, and also studied under Toyo Kaneshige and Sozan Kaneshige. Later, he learned tableware production techniques under Rosanjin Kitaoji in Kamakura, and in 1956, he became independent and built his own kiln. From then on, he was selected for various exhibitions consecutively. In 1970, he devised and built a large Bizen kiln using modern refractory bricks. In 1973, he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. He was also awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class. Although he was expected to be a leader for the next generation of Bizen pottery, he passed away at the young age of 53. This is a Bizen hand-handled bowl by the timeless master Ken Fujiwara, a man who possessed both boldness and meticulousness. It is a work that incorporates a relaxed, robust rhythm within the orthodox style typical of Fujiwara. At first glance, it appears to be a modest, ordinary form, yet it subtly incorporates decoration that feels entirely natural. In particular, the oval shape of the bowl itself conveys a substantial sense of gravitas, with a powerful presence that draws the eye and makes it impossible to look away. Combined with the powerful treatment of the foot, it seems as though it is suctioned to the ground, never to let go. This piece was exhibited at the "20th Anniversary of Ceramics Career: Ken Fujiwara Pottery Exhibition" held at Takashimaya in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, in 1967. The original exhibition catalog is included. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 25.2cm x Diameter 23.6cm x Height 12.0cm Ken Fujiwara (1924–1977) began his study of ceramics in 1946 under his uncle, Kei Fujiwara, and also studied under Toyo Kaneshige and Sozan Kaneshige. Later, he learned tableware production techniques under Rosanjin Kitaoji in Kamakura, and in 1956, he became independent and built his own kiln. From then on, he was selected for various exhibitions consecutively. In 1970, he devised and built a large Bizen kiln using modern refractory bricks. In 1973, he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. He was also awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class. Although he was expected to be a leader for the next generation of Bizen pottery, he passed away at the young age of 53.