Bizen ware incense burner

This is a Bizen ware incense burner by the Living National Treasure, Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. Given that the artist produced very few of these, this incense burner is an exceptionally rare piece among his work. The orthodox composition of strong reddish earth tones, yellow sesame glaze (kigoma), and fire-marked patterns (sangiri) perfectly complements Fujiwara’s unadorned, powerful sculpting style. The design of the lid, which bears a curious resemblance to a human face, is reminiscent of the many art objects he created. (*Please note that the central area shown in the first photo has been repaired.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san box)
Diameter 10.5cm × Diameter 10.4cm × Height 10.2cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of the Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. In his pottery, he followed the motto of "simplicity, clarity, and boldness," and became known as "Yu of the Vases" for the many vases and bowls he produced. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating 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 numerous large-scale reliefs and art objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a nationally recognized holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), following in the footsteps of his father.
Major awards include: 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 Grand Prize for Art and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.