Bizen Horseback Sake Cup

This Bizen horse-riding sake cup (*bajohai*) is a timeless masterpiece by Ken Fujiwara, an artisan who masterfully combined boldness with precision. The piece was fired in a "suana"—a hole connecting the chambers within the kiln—resulting in a "suana yohen" (suana kiln transformation) characterized by a rich landscape of *goma* (ash glaze) and *sangiri* (reduction-fired grey/blue) effects. The *sangiri* variation is particularly alluring, with a luster that appears as if wet, highlighting both the rim and the foot. True to the *suana* firing style, which avoids overfiring to produce a well-balanced landscape, the clay remains untarnished, preserving its fresh, raw texture. The front features a soft *nuke* (area shielded from ash), while the interior showcases the purple *shiso* hue inherent to the quality of the clay. Signed wooden box (*shiho-san*)
Diameter 6.5cm × 6.4cm × Height 6.9cm Ken Fujiwara (1924–1977) began his pottery career in 1946 under his uncle, Kei Fujiwara, and also studied under Toyo Kaneshige and Sozan Kaneshige. He later learned the techniques of tableware production under Rosanjin Kitaoji in Kamakura before establishing his own kiln in 1956. Thereafter, he was selected for numerous exhibitions. In 1970, he devised and built a large Bizen kiln using modern firebricks. He was designated as a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in 1973 and was also awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class. Though expected to become a leader who would carry the next generation of Bizen ware, he passed away at the young age of 53.