Bizen sake cup

This Bizen sake cup is by the Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded the appeal of Bizen ware beyond Japan and to the world at large. The tall, distinctively twisted foot is full of the charming character so typical of Fujiwara-sensei. It has been fired thoroughly to achieve a deep, perilla-red surface, and the sesame-flecked glaze, which has taken on a scorched appearance, features black, granular charred bits that you can clearly feel with your fingers. The interior also has a deep, perilla-red hue reminiscent of vintage wine, which will likely take on an even more subdued luster as it holds sake. Original signed box (nifosansan)
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.5cm x Height 5.9cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of the Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. He adopted the motto "simple, clear, and bold" in his pottery, and became known as "Yu of the Jars" for the many jars and bowls he created. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled at tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars," "Sake Bottle," "100 Flowers," and "100 Bowls" exhibitions. He also produced numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967 and was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in 1980. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to follow in a parent's footsteps as a nationally designated holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
Major awards include: The Tosho Kaneshige Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and 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.