Bizen sake cup

This Bizen sake cup is by the Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to the rest of the world, sharing the allure of Bizen ware far and wide. The piece features a style instantly recognizable as his, conveying a raw, heart-to-heart sincerity that eschews mere technical trickery. It beautifully exhibits the heavy, deep "shiso" (perilla leaf) coloration characteristic of Fujiwara's work; blended with brownish hues, it creates a unique, ineffable gradation reminiscent of peering into a glass of aged wine. Due to the very simple composition, the "tobi-goma" (splashed sesame glaze) applied with vigor to the interior and base acts as an exquisite spice. Original signed wooden box (shiho-zan)
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.6cm x Height 4.7cm 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 Vases" for his prolific work in jars and bowls. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Vases Exhibition," "Tokkuri (Sake Bottle) Exhibition," "100 Flowers Exhibition," and "100 Bowls Exhibition." He also created numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. In 1967, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1980, he was designated a holder of an important intangible cultural property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first person in the world of ceramics to follow his father in becoming a nationally designated holder of an important intangible cultural property (Living National Treasure).
Key awards include: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Grand Prize for Art and Culture, and Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.