{"product_id":"p8120","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen ware sake cup by the Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world.\u003cbr\u003e\nThe style is unmistakably that of Yu Fujiwara, a piece that strikes you with a naked heart, devoid of superficial technique.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough it is a work from his later years and is somewhat thinly fashioned, it clearly displays the characteristics typical of Fujiwara's work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAgainst the azuki-bean colored clay, a rich dark brown \"hidasuki\" (fire-cord) pattern is applied, created by firing the piece inside a sagger within an anagama (climbing) kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe interior is completely covered in hidasuki, and combined with the luster of the hidasuki itself, it evokes an atmosphere reminiscent of lacquerware or ironware, distinct from the outer rim.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe form is uniquely recognizable as Fujiwara's, featuring a notably tall foot combined with a body that has a characteristic soft, rising curve.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-zan)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.0cm x 6.8cm x Height 5.9cm\n\nYu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Kei Fujiwara, the second Bizen ware potter to be designated a Living National Treasure.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter graduating from the Faculty of Letters at Meiji University in 1955, he worked at the publisher Misuzu Shobo, but at the urging of ceramics scholar Fujio Koyama, he returned home to train in pottery under his father, Kei Fujiwara.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his pottery, he adhered to the principles of \"simplicity, clarity, and boldness,\" creating many large jars and bowls, which earned him the nickname \"Yu of the Jars.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInfluenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he also demonstrated great skill in creating tableware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nStarting in 1972, he held a series of solo exhibitions, including the \"100 Jars,\" \"100 Sake Flasks,\" \"100 Vases,\" and \"100 Bowls\" exhibitions.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe also created many large-scale reliefs and objects, expanding the expressive boundaries of Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967 and was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1980.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1996, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government, becoming the first second-generation Living National Treasure in the ceramics world.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 2001.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors include: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Grand Prize for Art and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.","brand":"藤原 雄","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618246676577,"sku":"8120","price":38500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8120.jpg?v=1790233793","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8120","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}