Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen sake flask is a timeless masterpiece by Ken Fujiwara, an artist who combined boldness with meticulous precision. It brilliantly achieves the coexistence of *hidasuki* (fire-cord) and *goma* (sesame glaze)—a feat considered extremely difficult to execute with such fine coloration—creating a stunning landscape reminiscent of his mentor, Toyo Kaneshige. The clay itself possesses an evocative, fragrant quality, and the gradation from a bright brown to a subtle bluish-grey offers a superb texture that strongly highlights the superior quality of the earth. The *hidasuki* draped over this charming clay is equally magnificent, displaying a sophisticated, well-balanced color that is neither too red nor too pale, drawing the viewer in the more they look at it. The rounded *maru-kabura* (turnip) shape, a signature style of Fujiwara, fits perfectly in the hand, while the slightly thick, wide neck reflects the style of the artist, who was himself known as a lover of sake. Signed wooden box (shiho-san/four-way locking lid)
Rim 3.5cm × Body diameter 9.4cm × Body diameter 9.3cm × Height 12.6cm Capacity: approx. 320cc Ken Fujiwara (1924–1977) began his pottery training 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 before becoming independent and building his own kiln in 1956. Thereafter, he was consecutively selected for various exhibitions. In 1970, he devised and built a large Bizen kiln using modern firebricks. In 1973, he was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder. He was also a recipient of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays. Though expected to lead the next generation of Bizen pottery, he passed away at the young age of 53.