Bizen Horseback Sake Cup

This Bizen horse-back cup (bajohai) is by the timeless master Ken Fujiwara, a man who possessed both boldness and meticulousness. True to Ken-sensei’s reputation for his *hidasuki* (fire-cord) techniques, this piece boasts a magnificent *hidasuki* pattern, overflowing with elegance in both color and texture. To preserve the innate charm of the *hidasuki*, the straw was wrapped around the piece in a deliberately uncalculated manner—a bundle of well-beaten straw wrapped roughly in a single vertical pass. This has paid off, resulting in an exquisite placement that is neither too much nor too little, allowing one to fully enjoy the rich, viscous *hidasuki* set against the moist, azuki-bean colored clay. Because this piece is crafted from excellent clay, the more you use it, the more it will reward you. Box identified by Kikuyo (shiho-san construction)
Diameter 6.1cm × Diameter 6.0cm × Height 6.3cm Ken Fujiwara (1924–1977) began his pottery training in 1946 under his uncle, Kei Fujiwara, and later studied under Toyo Kaneshige and Sozan Kaneshige. He subsequently learned tableware production techniques from Rosanjin Kitaoji in Kamakura before establishing his own kiln in 1956. Thereafter, he was selected for various exhibitions in succession. In 1970, he conceived and built a large Bizen kiln using modern refractory bricks. He was designated as a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in 1973 and was also awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette. Although he was expected to become a leader who would carry the next generation of Bizen pottery on his shoulders, he passed away at the young age of 53.