Bizen Hidasuki Sake Cup

This Bizen *hidaski* (fire-cord) sake cup by Kei Fujiwara, a master beloved by all for a warm style that radiated both boldness and kindness, features a matte, soft-textured red clay body adorned with *hidaski* patterns tinged with slight scorching, creating a beautiful interplay of red-on-red tones. The interior shows a variation in the tones of the clay and scarlet hue, likely from a generous application of straw. The cup narrows at the shoulder, making it easy to hold, and paired with a remarkably high "geta-style" foot, it presents a very sharp and elegant silhouette. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 7.1cm x Diameter 7.0cm x Height 5.4cm 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 learned wheel-throwing techniques from Baiketsu Mimura and, starting in 1941, refined his skills under the guidance of fellow Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, who taught him firing methods. Drawing inspiration from the simplicity and boldness found in the utilitarian wares of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, he created jars and vases with a generous and clear-cut style. The artistic education he absorbed in his youth deeply influenced his work. In 1954, he became the second Bizen potter to be designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 1977, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major awards include the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, and he was named an Honorary Citizen of Bizen City and an Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture. Posthumously, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, and the Junior Fifth Rank.