Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen sake bottle is the work of Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the allure of Bizen ware with the world. This piece is a powerful work from the later years of Fujiwara's life, with the deep green *kase goma* (ash glaze) characteristic of "Yu Bizen" lending a weathered atmosphere to the work. Furthermore, a metallic sheen, as if platinum had been applied, appears on one side, transforming the "marunuke" (round void)—a symbol of the sun and a signature mark of his—into what looks like a silver moon on the reverse. The *itokiri* (wire-cut) foot also appears as if it were a cast coin, creating an intriguing contrast between the platinum-like luster and the *kase* texture of the deep, forest-like glaze. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Rim 3.4cm × Body diameter 9.1cm × Body diameter 9.0cm × Height 12.8cm; Capacity: approx. 380cc Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. In his pottery, he adhered to the motto of "simple, clear, and bold," and was known as "Yu of the Jars" for the many jars and bowls he produced. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at creating tableware. From 1972, he held themed exhibitions such as the "100 Jars Exhibition," "Sake Bottle Exhibition," "100 Flowers Exhibition," and "100 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 holder of an important intangible cultural property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he and his father became the first parent-child pair in the history of the ceramic arts to both be designated as holders of important intangible cultural properties (Living National Treasures).
Major awards include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Grand Prize for Art and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.