Kei Fujiwara
1899–1983. Studied firing techniques under Kanemori Toyo and established a simple, expansive artistic style. In 1970, designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Kei Fujiwara
1899–1983
Born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
Kei Fujiwara entered the world of Bizen ware at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who lived in Honami, Bizen City.
He first received instruction in wheel throwing and other techniques from Baikei Mimura. From 1941, he studied firing techniques under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure of Bizen ware.
In 1954, Fujiwara became the second Bizen ware artist to be designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1958, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.
In 1977, together with his eldest son, Yu Fujiwara, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major honors include the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, the Chugoku Culture Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, and the posthumous award of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, with the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank.
1899–1983
Born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
Kei Fujiwara entered the world of Bizen ware at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who lived in Honami, Bizen City.
He first received instruction in wheel throwing and other techniques from Baikei Mimura. From 1941, he studied firing techniques under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure of Bizen ware.
In 1954, Fujiwara became the second Bizen ware artist to be designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1958, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.
In 1977, together with his eldest son, Yu Fujiwara, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major honors include the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, the Chugoku Culture Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, and the posthumous award of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, with the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank.
Biography
Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983; born in Horo, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen ware at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Horo, Bizen City.
He received training in wheel throwing and other techniques from Umekei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his craft by studying firing methods under Kaneyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure of Bizen ware.
In creating his work, he admired the simplicity and boldness found in ancient Bizen ware from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, establishing a straightforward, unpretentious, and expansive style that did not rely too heavily on technique.
Furthermore, the artistic knowledge he cultivated in his youth while aspiring to become a man of letters and a poet also greatly influenced his work.
In 1954, he was designated a Holder of Okayama Prefecture’s Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in 1958, he was appointed a director of the Japan Art Association.
In 1970, he was designated a Holder of Japan’s Important Intangible Cultural Properties, known as a Living National Treasure.
In 1977, the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum opened in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
He passed away in 1983.
Major awards and honors: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, Junior Fifth Rank, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, and others
He received training in wheel throwing and other techniques from Umekei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his craft by studying firing methods under Kaneyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure of Bizen ware.
In creating his work, he admired the simplicity and boldness found in ancient Bizen ware from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, establishing a straightforward, unpretentious, and expansive style that did not rely too heavily on technique.
Furthermore, the artistic knowledge he cultivated in his youth while aspiring to become a man of letters and a poet also greatly influenced his work.
In 1954, he was designated a Holder of Okayama Prefecture’s Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in 1958, he was appointed a director of the Japan Art Association.
In 1970, he was designated a Holder of Japan’s Important Intangible Cultural Properties, known as a Living National Treasure.
In 1977, the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum opened in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
He passed away in 1983.
Major awards and honors: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, Junior Fifth Rank, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, and others