What comes to mind when you hear the name "Fujiwara family"?
I immediately associate it with "botamochi" and "bota."
As you can see in the photo above, "bota" (ash-covered patches) is used on all the pieces to provide an accent.
I believe this family is truly dedicated to the way they utilize bota.
In every work, they carefully consider its placement: on a sake cup, it is placed on the rim to improve the feel against the lips and on the interior to create a visual landscape; on a sake bottle or jar, it is placed prominently on the front as if capturing the rising sun; and on plates, it serves as a canvas for bold and free-spirited bota patterns.
The Fujiwara family’s approach to bota is incredibly diverse, yet always follows a distinct set of principles.
This sake bottle by Yu Fujiwara features a bold bota placement right on the front.
This sake bottle by Yu Fujiwara features a bold bota placement right on the front.
Combined with the slightly brownish landscape, it looks almost like a tanuki (raccoon dog) and is quite charming.
I am sure that as it is used, the bota will absorb the sake and transform into an even deeper, more flavorful shade.
It might be a little hard to see, but this sake cup also has bota clearly positioned on the rim.
This prevents the mouthfeel from being spoiled by an excess of "goma" (sesame-like ash glaze) while creating a contrast that turns the bota itself into a part of the landscape.
I suspect this dedication to bota is linked to the influence of Kei Fujiwara, who was known as a sake lover.
After leaving his publishing career and returning to his hometown, he encountered Bizen ware at the age of 40.
He refined the "Fujiwara Bizen" that emerged from that encounter by infusing it with his own perspective—both as a fan and a user of Bizen ware who loved his drink.
I feel that what was born from that spirit is still being carried on today.
Product Information: Yu Fujiwara Bizen Sake Bottle (with signed box) Size: Rim 3.3cm x Body 9.1cm x 9.0cm x Height 13.3cm Price: 150,000 yen
: Inari Bizen Sake Cup (with signed box) Size: Diameter 7.5cm x 7.5cm x Height 5.4cm Price: 18,000 yen
: Teru Okada Bizen Sake Cup (with signed box) Size: Diameter 6.8cm x 6.8cm x Height 4.9cm Price: 25,000 yen
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