Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to the world to share the appeal of Bizen ware. The style is instantly recognizable as that of Yu Fujiwara; it is a piece that confronts the viewer with a naked heart, stripped of superficial technique. Fired as if steamed in the back of the kiln, the deep, heavy shiso-red color characteristic of Fujiwara's work transitions into the gray clay tone and a brighter shiso-red clay tone. Furthermore, half of the cup is covered in a light yellow sesame glaze, giving it an interesting appearance that differs from his usual work. In terms of form, it is characteristically simple and bold, with a large, deeply incised potter's mark that serves as an interesting accent. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.2cm × Diameter 7.0cm × Height 5.7cm 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 the many jars and bowls he created. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at tableware. From 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "Hundred Jars Exhibition," "Tokkuri (Sake Bottle) Exhibition," "Hundred Flowers Exhibition," and "Hundred Bowls Exhibition." He also produced many large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a nationally recognized Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure) as part of a father-son pair.
Major awards include: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize, Academia Art and Culture Grand Prize, and the Medal with Blue Ribbon.