{"product_id":"p5748","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This is a Bizen sake bottle by Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for his bold, unconstrained style that radiated warmth and kindness. Judging from the potter's mark and the wooden box, this is an early work by Fujiwara, featuring a *sangiri* (kiln-floor) firing pattern reminiscent of his contemporaries, the masters Furo Ishii and Shunko Nishimura. The surface, fired slowly in the back of the kiln, may appear understated at first glance, but it takes on an indescribable charm once moistened. The *nuke* (uncovered sections) are particularly striking, with a faint golden sheen that adds a lovely accent to the otherwise modest body. The form also reflects the characteristics of his early work; it is a traditional *kabura* (turnip-shaped) form with a silhouette similar to Old Bizen, offering a glimpse into the origins of what would become Fujiwara’s signature style. Conversely, the rim features his characteristic coiled lip, a detail that remained consistent throughout his later years.\n\nSigned wooden box (double-crosspiece lid) \u003cbr\u003e\nRim 3.7cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Height 15.4cm. Capacity approx. 400cc\n\nKei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Honami, Bizen. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe received instruction in techniques such as wheel-throwing from Baikiei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his skills by learning firing methods from Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure in Bizen ware. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, Fujiwara drew inspiration from the simplicity and boldness found in Old Bizen ware from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, establishing a straightforward, expansive style that did not rely too heavily on technique. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis artistic sensibility, cultivated through his early aspirations toward literature and poetry, also greatly influenced his work. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1954, he was recognized as a Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1970, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, commonly known as a Living National Treasure. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum opened in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1977. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 1983. \u003cbr\u003e\n\nMajor awards and honors include: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture, Junior Fifth Rank, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class.","brand":"藤原 啓","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618007339105,"sku":"5748","price":120000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5748.jpg?v=1790231043","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p5748","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}