Bizen sake cup

This Bizen sake cup is the work of Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who broadened his horizons beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. The style is unmistakably that of Fujiwara; it is a piece that confronts the viewer with a naked heart, devoid of superficial technique. The way the sesame glaze (goma) on the front and interior gathers suddenly from one direction is as if a gust of wind had raced through wrapped in flames. Typical of Fujiwara, who always used high-quality split pine wood, it features a deep, refined interplay of yellow and scorched sesame glaze. The purple-red (shiso) sections also possess a heavy, intense hue reminiscent of reduced red wine—an exquisite color only achievable by firing Bizen clay, impossible to replicate with paint. Signed wooden box (double-slatted)
Diameter 7.1cm × Diameter 6.9cm × Height 5.8cm 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 Jars" for his many works in that form. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars," "Sake Bottle," "100 Flowers," and "100 Bowls" exhibitions. He also produced numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first potter to follow his parent as a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure).
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.