Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Kei Fujiwara, a man beloved by all for his bold, open-hearted style and warmth that permeates his work. The large, imposing form of his later years is truly powerful and can be called the true essence of Fujiwara Bizen. It features a rich, viscous *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern created by climbing kiln firing, and the glossy texture of the *hidasuki* creates a magnificent contrast with the dry texture of the *goma* (ash glaze). The subtly lustrous, azuki-bean-colored clay body is incredibly elegant, and combined with its generous size, this is a sake cup that makes the simple act of swirling sake a joy. Keisuke-signed box (shihōzan style)
Diameter 7.3cm × Diameter 7.2cm × Height 6.2cm Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the path of Bizen pottery at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Honami, Bizen City. He received instruction in wheel-throwing and other techniques from Baikkei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his ceramic skills by learning firing techniques from his fellow Living National Treasure, Tōyō Kaneshige. Following the simplicity and boldness found in Kamakura and Muromachi period utilitarian ware, he created jars and flower vases with a generous and clear style. The appreciation for art he absorbed in his youth influenced his work. In 1954, he became the second person to be designated a Living National Treasure for Bizen pottery, 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: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award; Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture; posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (Third Class) and Junior Fifth Rank.