Bizen sake cup

This Bizen sake cup is the work of Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for a warm style that radiated kindness and a bold, open-hearted spirit. This piece is highly characteristic of the period between the early and middle stages of his career, when he lived in Ida Village. Upon returning to his hometown and seeking the healing quality and warmth of Bizen ware, the high-quality clay Fujiwara discovered—with its soft, bright brown earthen texture on the exterior and a moist, reddish-brown aesthetic on the interior—clearly explains why he was so captivated by it. The soft, faint *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings appear as a vivid vermilion that seems to float from the surface of the clay. (Please note that the item shows slight signs of use.) Includes original signed box (shiho-san). *Both the box and the piece have been appraised by Kei Fujiwara's son, Keisuke Fujiwara.
Diameter 6.4cm × Diameter 6.2cm × Height 5.3cm Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Honami, Bizen. He received instruction in wheel-throwing from Baikiei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his skills by learning firing techniques from fellow Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. Inspired by the simplicity and boldness found in the utilitarian wares of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, he created jars and flower vases characterized by a generous and clear style. The appreciation for the arts he cultivated in his youth deeply influenced his work. In 1954, he became the second individual to be designated a Living National Treasure for Bizen pottery, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association. He established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1977.
Major awards include the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, the Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture, and, posthumously, the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (Third Class/Junior Fifth Rank).