Bizen-ware flower vase with incised line decoration

This is a Bizen ware vase with linear patterns by Kaz Fujiwara, an artist who, born to a Living National Treasure father and grandfather, explores his own unique forms while upholding the fundamental principles of simplicity, clarity, and boldness. A ceramic career biography from around 2002 is enclosed, and since the pottery mark is also from that period, it is believed that this piece was created at that time. Kaz has taken the Bizen large jar, a signature form synonymous with his father, Yu Fujiwara, and applied his own unique touch; while the clay was still soft after throwing on the wheel, he pushed it out from the inside to swell in three directions. This transforms what would have been a perfect sphere into a form that swells powerfully like a bulb, simply and directly expressing the vitality and strength of the clay. The "kase-goma" (fine, sand-like ash glaze) characteristic of his father Yu's kiln is present in abundance, and the deep green scenery suits the powerfully stretched form beautifully. (*There is a scuff on the base from the firing process, which has been repaired by Kaz Fujiwara.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 35.5cm x Diameter 34.8cm x Height 33.3cm Kaz Fujiwara is the eldest son of Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara and the grandson of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. He began his pottery career in 1980 under the guidance of his grandfather and father. He became independent in 1988 and fired his first kiln in 1990. He mainly produces vases and tableware, and his work is characterized by a sense of ease and freedom. He has held solo exhibitions in various locations including Okayama, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In 1994, the "Three Generations of Fujiwara Bizen Exhibition" was held. In 2002, he received the Japan Gakushikai Achievement Award. In 2004, he was appointed as an advisor to the Chugoku branch of the Urasenke Tankokai tea ceremony association. In 2006, he became the chairman of the Toshinkai.