Bizen jar

This is a Bizen jar by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to the world and widely communicated the allure of Bizen pottery. This is a Bizen jar by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to the world and widely communicated the allure of Bizen pottery. As a master known for his jars, this bold work brings out the maximum potential of the Bizen clay. Due to high-temperature firing, the surface of the jar is pitted like the peel of a citrus fruit, and combined with the rich, yellowish clay texture, the finish is reminiscent of a giant mandarin orange. The earthy texture, similar to Nanban-style unglazed pottery, is accented by calm-toned yellow sesame glaze (kigoma), with both light and dark shades enhancing each other. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 24.0cm x Diameter 24.0cm x Height 25.0cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. His motto for pottery was "simple, clear, and bold," and he was called "Fujiwara of the jars" for his many works involving jars and bowls. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at tableware. From 1972, he held themed series exhibitions such as "One Hundred Jars," "Sake Bottles," "One Hundred Flowers," and "One Hundred Bowls." He also produced many large-scale reliefs and objects. In 1967, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1980, he was designated as a Holder of Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1996, he became the first in the pottery world to follow in his parent's footsteps as a nationally designated Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
Major awards include: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award/Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize, Academia Art and Culture Grand Prize, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.