Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen sake bottle is the work of Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the allure of Bizen ware with the world. This piece dates to Fujiwara's later years, following his designation as a Living National Treasure, and is remarkably characterized by his signature moss-green "kase-goma" (dry ash glaze) that is instantly recognizable as his own. The texture of the clay in the "hima" (fire-scarred areas) is also highly original; the blend of scarlet and shiso-red clay, combined with an added golden sheen, sparkles as if thinly coated in platinum. This golden luster appears throughout the entire bottle, while the round "botamochi" mark on the back shines silver and the interior of the rim glows with a brilliant wine-red hue, offering endless points of interest. Though slightly small in size, this simple, straightforward sake bottle feels powerful and substantial—a masterpiece that captures the indomitable spirit of Yu Fujiwara, who never let his visual impairment hinder his creative fire. Signed wooden box (shiho-zan style)
Rim 3.5cm x Body diameter 8.9cm x Body diameter 8.8cm x Height 11.8cm, Capacity approx. 290cc Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. His motto for pottery was "simple, clear, and bold," and he became known as "Yu of the Jars" for his many works in that form. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars," "Sake Bottle," "100 Flowers," and "100 Bowls" exhibitions. He also produced many large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was named a Prefectural Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1996, he and his father became the first father-son pair to both be designated as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in the field of ceramics.
Key awards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Art and Culture Grand Prize, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.