Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. This piece features the heavy, thick, and deep Shiso-red color characteristic of Fujiwara’s work, combined with a vibrant moss-green kase-goma (dry ash glaze). While the fine, lifelike texture of the kase-goma is truly magnificent, the diverse variations in the Shiso-red sections showcase the master's meticulous attention to his choice of clay. It is a piece that invites you to delight in the wine-red texture of the interior while savoring the evolving character of the kase-goma. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 7.4cm × Diameter 6.7cm × Height 6.0cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. In his pottery, he adopted the motto "simple, clear, and bold," and was known as "Yu of the Jars" for the many jars and bowls he produced. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in making tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars Exhibition," "Tokkuri (Sake Flask) Exhibition," "100 Flowers Exhibition," and "100 Bowls Exhibition." He also created many large-scale reliefs and objects. In 1967, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1980, he was designated as a holder of an important intangible cultural property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first person in the history of ceramics to be designated as a Living National Treasure, following in the footsteps of his father, also a Living National Treasure.
Major awards include: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Chugoku Cultural Prize, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Grand Prize for Arts and Culture, and Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.