Bizen sake bottle

This is a Bizen sake bottle by Kaz Fujiwara, an artist who explores unique forms while upholding the fundamental principles of simplicity, clarity, and boldness, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom were Living National Treasures. This is a "Makiguchi Kabudo" (scroll-rim turnip-shaped) Fujiwara sake bottle, a style originated by his grandfather, Kei Fujiwara, and passed down to the Fujiwara school, including his father, Yu. The piece features a distinctive dry, matte "kase-goma" (sandy ash glaze) that feels like fine-grit sandpaper, complemented by an earth tone that shifts from shiso-purple to orange, creating a superb appearance that serves as a textbook example of kase-goma. It employs the technique his father Yu specialized in, featuring a circular unglazed patch known as a "botamochi" on the back, with a split "silver moon" effect that creates a wonderful atmosphere. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Rim 3.4cm × Body 8.5cm × 8.2cm × Height 14.5cm, Capacity approx. 450cc Kaz Fujiwara is the eldest son of Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara and the grandson of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. He began his pottery career in 1980 under the tutelage of his father and grandfather. He became independent in 1988 and fired his first kiln in 1990. He primarily produces vases and tableware, known for the graceful, expansive quality of his work. He has held solo exhibitions in cities such as Okayama, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In 1994, he held the "Three Generations of Fujiwara Bizen Exhibition." In 2002, he received the Japan Academy of Arts Achievement Award. In 2004, he was appointed advisor to the Chugoku branch of the Urasenke Tankokai. In 2006, he was appointed chairman of the Toshinkai.