Bizen Yohen Sake Bottle

This is an earlier sake bottle (tokkuri) by Shunichi Fujimi, a popular young artist who has consistently moved forward through proven skill and steady effort since graduating from the Bizen Pottery Center. It includes an inscription of his ceramic history from 2001, indicating it was produced around that time. The deep, well-fired ash glaze combined with a magnificent scarlet hue makes this piece look as if it were a reference sample of Bizen ash-glazed yohen (kiln-transformed) pottery. The unique, barrel-like form is powerfully cinched at the waist, making it very easy to grip and providing a sense of stability. (*Please note that although this is an earlier work, there are almost no signs of use.) Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Rim 3.7cm × Body 9.3cm × Body 9.2cm × Height 11.5cm Capacity approx. 300cc Born in Imbe, Bizen City, Shunichi Fujimi grew up in the town of pottery and aspired to become a ceramic artist from an early age. In 1989, he entered the Bizen Pottery Center, where he learned ceramic techniques from the basics. His dedication paid off, as he was quickly selected for the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and in 1995, he built his own climbing kiln near the remains of the Nandai Kiln and became independent. That same year, he won an award at the Chugoku Branch Exhibition and received the Encouragement Award at the Okayama Prefectural Exhibition. In 1998, he traveled to the United States to study pottery at Western Illinois University. In 2001, he received the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition.