Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen tokkuri (sake flask) is by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the allure of Bizen ware with the world. This piece is a unification of fine "goma" (sesame ash glaze) and a profound "shiso" (perilla-red) color, resulting in the master's signature bold form. Even within the well-fired clay, the deep shiso hue remains, overwhelming the viewer. The yellow goma, with its unique sandpaper-like texture, is finely detailed, creating a finish that evokes the scent of earth and the warmth of the kiln, true to the spirit of Bizen. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Rim 3.7cm × Body 9.2cm × Body 9.0cm × Height 11.3cm, Capacity approx. 350cc 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 known as "Yu of the Jars" for the many jars and bowls he created. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars," "Tokkuri," "100 Flowers," and "100 Bowls" exhibitions. He also produced numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated as a Holder of Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1996, he became the first person in the history of the ceramic arts world to follow his father as a nationally designated Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
Major awards include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Prize for Art and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.