{"product_id":"p6269","title":"Two Bizen ware sake cups","description":"This is a pair of Bizen guinomi (sake cups) by the legendary master Ken Fujiwara, whose work uniquely blends boldness with meticulous detail.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThese pieces date from his climbing kiln period and feature the rich scarlet *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings that became his signature style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired inside *saya* (protective vessels) or nestled within other works inside the climbing kiln, it is fascinating to see how these two pieces both possess the sophisticated allure typical of climbing kiln *hidasuki* while exhibiting entirely different expressions of the technique.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe sake cup on the left in the photo features a wonderful, dry texture where the *hidasuki* appears scorched onto the surface. The clay body, with its exquisite gradation of azuki-bean or reddish-purple hues, is perfectly accented by a sparse dusting of bright, mustard-colored *kama* (ash glaze).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn contrast, the sake cup on the right evokes the charm of Kei Fujiwara’s early works. The exterior exhibits a coarse, powdery ash glaze combined with a clay base showing stronger reduction tones, while the interior radiates a superb character with its mellow, moist-looking *hidasuki* luster.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBoth cups feature high, deeply carved *kodai* (foot rings) that give them a tall, elegant stature, which contrasts beautifully with their relaxed, gently swelling bodies for a highly refined finish.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile it would have been possible to pair identical pieces, it is testament to Ken Fujiwara’s artistic sensibility that he curated this luxurious set, allowing the connoisseur to fully enjoy two distinct expressions of *hidasuki*.\n\nOriginal signed box (two-way crossbar construction)\u003cbr\u003e\nLeft: Diameter 7.4cm x 7.3cm x Height 4.9cm\u003cbr\u003e\nRight: Diameter 6.8cm x 6.8cm x Height 5.2cm\n\nKen Fujiwara (1924–1977) began his pottery career in 1946 under his uncle, Kei Fujiwara, and also studied under Toyo Kaneshige and Sozan Kaneshige.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe also learned tableware production under Rosanjin Kitaoji in Kamakura.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1956, he established his own kiln in Honami, Bizen City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThereafter, he was a regular selectee in various exhibitions.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1970, he designed and built a large kiln using modern firebricks.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1973, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was also the recipient of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class, and the Toyo Kaneshige Award, among others.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThough he was expected to become a leading figure in the next generation of Bizen pottery, he passed away prematurely at the age of 53 in 1977.","brand":"藤原 建","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618319061089,"sku":"6269","price":40000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6269.jpg?v=1790234984","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6269","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}