Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his horizons beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. It is a work of great depth, featuring his signature deep green "kase-goma" (dry sesame glaze) prominently across the surface. The tactile, rough texture of the kase-goma, combined with its cute, rounded form, makes it a delight to hold and handle in the palm of your hand. The circular "marunuke" mark in the interior and the reddish-purple earthen tones will reveal a spectacular, sunset-like landscape as you continue to use it. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.7cm × Diameter 6.5cm × Height 5.7cm 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 Jars" for the many jars and bowls he created. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at making 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 many large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated as a holder of an important intangible cultural property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he and his father became the first pair of parents and children in the pottery world to both be designated as holders of nationally designated important intangible cultural properties (Living National Treasures).
Major awards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefectural 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, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.