Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his horizons beyond Japan to the world to share the appeal of Bizen ware. The style is instantly recognizable as Fujiwara's, a piece that confronts the viewer with a naked heart, stripped of any superficial artifice. True to his philosophy of simple and clear craftsmanship, the cup fits comfortably in the hand with a pleasingly flared bowl, designed to be enjoyed intuitively without overthinking. The interior features a large, round *botamochi* (fire-marked) highlight, which contrasts in a simple and delightful way with the fine, powder-like *tobigoma* (splashed ash) speckles nearby. Original wooden box (with shihōsan lid)
Diameter 7.4cm × Diameter 7.1cm × Height 5.5cm 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 known as "Yu of the Jars" for the many vases and bowls he produced. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he also excelled at tableware. From 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "One Hundred Jars Exhibition," "Tokkuri Exhibition," "One Hundred Flowers Exhibition," and "One Hundred Bowls Exhibition." He also created many large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder. In 1996, he and his father became the first pair of parent and child to both be designated as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasures) in the field of ceramics.
Major Awards: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Art and Culture Grand Prize, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.