Bizen Tokkuri

This is a Bizen sake bottle by Kei Fujiwara, a man beloved by all for his bold, open-hearted, and warmth-radiating style. Its smooth, orb-like form and the *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings draped over its pale persimmon-colored surface are characteristic features of his later work, created after the age of 70. While the *hidasuki* covers the entire piece, thin, dark streaks of cord overlap within, creating an intriguing sense of depth. The clay surface is exceptionally fine and smooth to the touch; holding it offers the grounding, soothing comfort of the earth, a hallmark of fine Bizen ware. Signed wooden box (shiho-zan style)
Rim 3.6cm × Body diameter 9.6cm × Body diameter 9.5cm × Height 13.1cm, Capacity approx. 400cc Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Honami, Bizen. He received introductory training in wheel throwing from Baikkei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his ceramic skills under the guidance of fellow Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, learning firing techniques. Following the rustic and bold aesthetics seen in Kamakura and Muromachi period utilitarian wares, he produced jars and vases with an expansive and clear style. The artistic education he absorbed in his youth deeply influenced his work. In 1954, he became the second person to be designated a Living National Treasure for Bizen pottery, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kogei Association. In 1977, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama.
Major awards/honors: Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award; Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture; posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, and conferred the Junior Fifth Rank.