Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, an artist who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the allure of Bizen ware with the world. It appears as though the *goma* (ash glaze) was blown onto the surface by a one-way breeze, resulting in a significant concentration of *goma* on the front interior. The rest of the piece features a bright, earthy brown gradation, showcasing a simple and clear texture. The straightforwardness of the foot and the slight irregularities from the trimming reveal how hard Yu-sensei wrestled with the clay. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 7.3cm × Diameter 7.1cm × Height 4.8cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. His motto for pottery was "simple, clear, and bold," and he was often called the "Master of Vases" for his many works in that form. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including "100 Vases," "Sake Bottle Exhibitions," "100 Flowers," and "100 Bowls." He also produced numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first person in the world of ceramics to be designated a nationally recognized Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), succeeding his father to make them the first father-son duo to receive the honor.
Major awards include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefectural Culture Encouragement Prize and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Arts and Culture Grand Prize, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.