Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen sake flask is by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, an artist who expanded his horizons beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. The work features a style instantly recognizable as his, embodying a raw, heart-to-heart sincerity that rejects mere technical artifice. It is a tour de force, combining his trademark deep-green *kase-goma* (crusty ash) glaze with a brilliant red *nuke* (flash) reminiscent of a setting sun. This magnificent crimson, which seems to capture the very sunset over Katakami Bay that he must have gazed upon daily at the potter's wheel alongside his father Kei and his disciples, will take on an indescribable hue when moistened by sake during use. Though small, the piece possesses a powerful, "jar-like" presence—a beautiful form characteristic of Fujiwara, who faced his craft with intense dedication despite the handicap of failing eyesight. Original wooden box (with shihosan-style lid)
Mouth 3.5cm x Body diameter 8.5cm x Body diameter 8.4cm x Height 11.1cm　Capacity approx. 250cc Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. In his pottery, he adopted the motto of being "simple, clear, and bold," producing many jars and bowls, which earned him the nickname "Yu of the Jars." Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including "One Hundred Jars," "Sake Flask Exhibition," "One Hundred Flowers Exhibition," and "One Hundred Bowls Exhibition." He also created numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. In 1967, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1980, he was designated a holder of an important intangible cultural property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a holder of an important intangible cultural property (Living National Treasure), following in his father's footsteps as the second generation to receive the honor.
Key awards: Toyo Kaneshige 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 Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.