Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is a timeless masterpiece by Ken Fujiwara, an artisan who possessed both boldness and meticulousness. It is crafted from the clay heavily interspersed with small stones that Fujiwara frequently used, and the texture of the clay, with its prominent, pebbly grains, is magnificent. The piece is fired in a bright shade of brown overall, which, combined with the refined yellow sesame glaze, gives it the classic Bizen aesthetic. It features the distinctive waistline characteristic of Fujiwara’s sake cups, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.0cm × Diameter 7.0cm × Height 5.2cm Ken Fujiwara (1924–1977) began his pottery career in 1946 under his uncle, Kei Fujiwara, and also studied under Toyo Kaneshige and Sozan Kaneshige. Later, he learned techniques for producing tableware while working under Rosanjin Kitaoji in Kamakura, and established his own kiln in 1956. From then on, his work was consistently selected for various exhibitions. In 1970, he devised and built a large Bizen kiln using modern refractory bricks. In 1973, he was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder and was also awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class. Although he was expected to become a leader who would carry the next generation of Bizen pottery, he passed away at the young age of 53.