Bizen-yaki teacup

This is a rare Bizen teacup by the late master Ken Fujiwara, an artisan who possessed both boldness and meticulousness. Although Master Fujiwara primarily focused on sake vessels, tea utensils, and vases, his teacups are extremely rare and produced in very limited numbers. True to his style, he did not rely on excessive ornamentation, but rather allowed the Bizen ware to speak for itself in its raw, honest form; the gently widening body is simple and commanding. The combination of basic "goma" (sesame) ash glaze and "sangiri" (discoloration from the kiln), along with the muted "hidasuki" (fire cord) markings on the inside, creates a sophisticated finish that one will never tire of. Precisely because it is a teacup intended for daily use, it is a piece that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. (*Please note that while there is almost no sign of use, this is a previous work.) Signed wooden box (double-braced) *As the original cloth is not included, we have provided one from our shop. Diameter 9.1cm x Diameter 9.0cm x Height 8.3cm Master 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 table-ware production techniques under Rosanjin Kitaoji in Kamakura, before becoming independent and building 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. In 1973, he was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder. He was also awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class. Although he was highly anticipated to be a leader of the next generation of Bizen pottery, he passed away at the young age of 53.