Bizen kiln-transformation sake bottle

This Bizen sake bottle is by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. The potter's mark covers the entire base, suggesting this piece was created during his youth. The clay quality closely resembles that of his father Kei’s middle period, with a rich, reddish-purple base that graduates into orange, accented by the deep, flavorful scenery of tasteful sesame and sangiri glaze that speaks to the heart. It is a fresh and dignified piece, capturing the spirit of a young Yu Fujiwara; this upright "imo-tokkuri" (potato-shaped bottle) is rare for an artist known for his many stout, rounded sake bottles. Box signed by Kei (double-cleated)
Rim 3.5cm × Body diameter 9.1cm × Body diameter 9.0cm × Height 14.1cm, Capacity approx. 410cc Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. In his pottery, he adopted the motto "simple, clear, and bold," and was known as "Yu of the Vases" for the many vases and bowls he created. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at making tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Vases Exhibition," "Sake Bottle Exhibition," "100 Flowers Exhibition," and "100 Bowls Exhibition." He also created many large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967 and was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in 1980. In 1996, he became the first person in the world of ceramics 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 Culture Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Grand Prize for Art and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.