Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Akira Okada, who studied under the fourth Living National Treasure, Yu Fujiwara, and continues to explore his own unique style while inheriting that of his master. Among the diverse varieties of Fujiwara-style *hi-dasuki* (fire-cord) patterns, this piece features the type where vivid fire-cord marks appear against a white clay body. The wide interior bowl reveals an all-over fire-cord landscape, and when filled with sake, the intense red hues become even more vibrant and delightful to behold. The fire-cord streaks extending from the foot like rays of the rising sun are also wonderful, and its shape, close to that of a shallow cup, allows you to enjoy the fire-cord patterns like a painting. Signed wooden box (double-braced)
Diameter 8.2cm x Diameter 8.1cm x Height 3.8cm While a student in the Oil Painting department at Musashino Art University, Akira Okada met Kei Fujiwara and Yu Fujiwara. Deeply moved by the simple yet rich forms and firing techniques, he became a live-in apprentice to Yu Fujiwara in 1968. He began receiving awards and recognition in public exhibitions in 1975, and held his debut exhibition in Okayama in 1978. He built his kiln and conducted his first firing in 1981. He creates a wide range of works, including large jars, vases, tableware, tea ceramics, and ceramic murals. In addition to hand-formed *tataki-ita* techniques, for his large jars and vases, he uses a shaving tool after wheel-throwing to carve curved patterns into the surface, adding his own unique expression. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1986. In 1997, he exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition. In 1999, he created the ceramic mural "Mai, San, San" for JR Nishi-Maizuru Station. He is also a professor at Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts.