Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who broadened his horizons beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. It displays the hallmark characteristics of Fujiwara's work, such as the foot that has been forcefully torn from the base and the unique thickness of the body. The fine, green *kase-goma* (dry ash glaze) is also exquisite, feeling as though it clings to the finger when touched. The green of the *kase-goma* complements the deep, purple-hued clay, which perfectly embodies the word "profound." Original signed box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.0cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 5.5cm 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 often called "Yu of the Vases" due to his prolific work with vases and bowls. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at making tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Vases Exhibition," "Tokkuri (Sake Bottle) Exhibition," "100 Flowers Exhibition," and "100 Bowls Exhibition." He also created many large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a nationally recognized Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure) as part of a father-son pair.
Major awards: Toyo Kaneshige Prize, 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, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.