Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who broadened his horizons beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. The balance between the earthen quality and the "goma" (ash glaze) is excellent, and the non-glossy, mellow yellow goma is truly wonderful. The large "nuke" (fire-marked area) on the front has the distinct air of a "botamochi" pattern, and the beautiful edging and clay texture are a sight you will never tire of admiring. The spacious interior, fitting for its large form, features a lively landscape of scattered small goma splashes. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.4cm x Diameter 7.4cm x Height 6.4cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. His motto in pottery was "simple, clear, and bold," and he produced many jars and bowls, earning him the nickname "Yu of the Jars." Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "Hyakko-ten" (100 Jars Exhibition), "Tokkuri-ten" (Sake Bottle Exhibition), "Hyakka-ten" (100 Vases Exhibition), and "Hyakuhachi-ten" (100 Bowls Exhibition). He also created numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated a holder of an important intangible cultural property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first in the pottery world to follow his parent as a nationally designated holder of an important intangible cultural property (Living National Treasure).
Major awards include: Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Prize for Arts and Culture, and the Medal with Blue Ribbon.