Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Kei Fujiwara, a master beloved by all for a warm artistic style that radiated kindness and magnanimity. The piece is highly striking for its intense orange *tsuchi-aji* (texture of the clay). The other side features a sophisticated *goma* (ash glaze) effect, reminiscent of the sunset and twilight over Katakami Bay—a scenery the master loved dearly. It is on the smaller side for a Fujiwara work, and with its ideal weight, it is very easy to use. Includes original wooden box (two-way crossbar) and a box certified by Keisuke Fujiwara (four-way crossbar).
Diameter 5.7cm × Diameter 5.7cm × Height 5.1cm

*Note: As the original wooden box is labeled as "Hidasuki" (fire-cord decoration), we have included a box certified by Keisuke Fujiwara. Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a Japanese literature scholar living in Honami, Bizen City. He received instruction in wheel throwing from Baikkei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his technical skills by learning firing techniques from fellow Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. Emulating the simplicity and boldness found in Kamakura and Muromachi period utilitarian wares, he created vases and flower vessels with a generous and clear-cut style. The artistic education he absorbed in his youth greatly influenced his work. In 1954, he became the second person designated as a Living National Treasure for Bizen pottery, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 1977, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major awards include the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award; honored as an Honorary Citizen of Bizen City and Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture; posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class.