Bizen sake bottle

This is a Bizen ware tokkuri (sake bottle) by the Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded the reach of Bizen ware not only within Japan but across the globe. The piece features a seamless integration of fine-grained *kase-goma* (a dry, crusty ash glaze resembling tree bark) and an earthy texture with deep, rich scarlet hues. At the boundary between the earthy surface and the *kase-goma*, one can see accents of gold and wine-red, offering the rich, varied scenery characteristic of Bizen ware. Despite its large, dynamic form, it is finished with a comfortable weight, and paired with its ever-changing aesthetics, it is a piece that one will never tire of using. Original signed box (shiho-san style)
Rim 3.7cm x Body diameter 9.2cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Height 12.7cm Capacity: approx. 350cc 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 "simple, clear, and bold," producing many vases and bowls, which earned him the nickname "Yu of the Vases." 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 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 became the first person to follow his father as a nationally designated Living National Treasure in the field of ceramics.
Major awards include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, the Chugoku Culture Award, the Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, the Academia Grand Prize for Art and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.