Bizen Hidasuki Sake Cup

This is a Bizen *hidasuki* (fire-cord) sake cup by Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for a style that was bold, open-hearted, and radiated warmth. This piece features the large-scale form characteristic of his later years, with a deep, spacious interior indicative of a master known to be a great lover of sake. While the red clay body displays the characteristic *hidasuki* of the Fujiwara family from this period, it possesses a mysterious texture, feeling almost like unglazed earthenware in its matte finish, with the color itself presenting a complex, reddish-purple gradation. The *hidasuki* markings themselves have a faint, golden luster, creating a rich and enjoyable visual depth even against the red clay. Inside the cup, there is a mark from a small pebble that rolled during the throwing process, creating a unique landscape reminiscent of a shark bite. Signed wooden box (double-crosspiece)
Diameter 7.2cm x Diameter 7.0cm x Height 5.7cm Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen ware at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature residing in Honami, Bizen. He learned wheel-throwing and other techniques from Baikkei Mimura, and from 1941, refined his skills by learning firing methods from fellow Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. Inspired by the simplicity and boldness found in the utilitarian wares of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, he created jars and vases with a generous and clear style. His youthful studies in the arts deeply influenced his work. In 1954, he became the second person to be designated a Living National Treasure for Bizen ware, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kogei Association. In 1977, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major awards and honors: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award; Honorary Citizen of Bizen City; Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture; posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, and Junior Fifth Rank.