{"product_id":"p7649","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for a style that was both bold and free-spirited, yet radiated warmth and kindness.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJudging by the style and other features, this piece dates from the artist's middle period, combining dry \"kase-goma\" ash glaze with a deeply flavorful clay body.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is said that during his lifetime, Kei often spoke of his particular fondness for kase-goma in Bizen ware; with its sophisticated moss-green tones and delicate, textured ash, this piece truly embodies the ideal Bizen aesthetic that the artist sought to achieve.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front, interior (mikomi), and base are each designed with \"nuke\" (clear patches where the glaze has been resisted), offering a glimpse into the origins of the technique of creating landscape-like patterns, which would later be inherited by his son, Yu Fujiwara.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to the rich, soft orange clay visible in the nuke on the front and back, there is a subtle golden sheen that adds further depth to the already remarkable texture of the earth.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe interior also features a nuke, but unlike the outer surface, it lacks the golden sheen, presenting instead a more matte orange tone that pairs perfectly with the surrounding luscious shiso-red color.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSlightly larger than the mainstream pieces of the time, this sake cup reflects the personality of Kei, who was himself known to be a heavy drinker. It is a perfect companion for your drinking sessions, one that will only grow more beautiful with use.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.9cm × 6.5cm × Height 5.5cm\n\nKei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the recommendation of the scholar of Japanese literature Atsuo Masamune, who lived in Honami, Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned the basics of wheel-thrown forming from Ume-kage Mimura, and from 1941, he studied firing techniques under the first Bizen ware Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige, further refining his pottery skills.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative work, he aspired to the simplicity and boldness found in ancient Bizen pieces from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, establishing a style that was simple, clear, and generous, without relying too heavily on technique alone.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, the artistic sensibilities he cultivated while aspiring to be a writer and poet in his youth had a significant influence on his works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1954, and became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1958.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1970, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, also 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\u003cbr\u003e\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 Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class.","brand":"藤原 啓","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618203095137,"sku":"7649","price":110000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7649.jpg?v=1790233043","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p7649","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}