Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, an artist who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. The style is instantly recognizable as his, embodying a "naked heart" approach that eschews superficial technique. While Yu-sensei is known for his profound shiso (perilla) red, this piece features a light, airy scarlet that promises even greater enjoyment as it changes with use. One can admire three distinct shades of scarlet: a deep tone on the front, a bright hue in the basin, and a soft shade on the interior. While the scarlet is the protagonist, the sesame-seed glaze—which has transitioned from green to yellow—complements it beautifully. Original signed wooden box (shiho-zan)
Diameter 6.9cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 5.2cm 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 the many vases and bowls he created. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he also excelled at tableware. Starting in 1972, he organized themed exhibition series such as the "Hundred Vases," "Tokkuri (Sake Bottle)," "Hundred Flowers," and "Hundred Bowls" exhibitions. He also created numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967 and was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in 1980. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a nationally recognized Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure), following in his father’s footsteps.
Major 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 the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.