Bizen tea bowl

This is a Bizen tea bowl by the late master Ken Fujiwara, a work that embodies both boldness and meticulous precision. This bowl was fired by placing it over the mouth of a jar like a lid, resulting in the austere *goma* (ash glaze) and *hidasuki* (fire cord) scenery characteristic of Fujiwara's work. The unique, substantial foot, reminiscent of a bamboo-node style, supports a relaxed, enveloping bowl shape that evokes the aesthetic of an Ido tea bowl. This combination of an Ido-inspired simple form and a "less is more" approach to the *goma* and *hidasuki* landscape clearly reflects the deep love Fujiwara held for Bizen ware. His pottery philosophy—refining and polishing the primitive allure of Bizen ware to the absolute limit through masterful craftsmanship—bears a striking resemblance to that of his mentor, Toyo Kaneshige. Even in the wild, unglazed Bizen style, where the bare clay is everything, his consciousness permeates every corner, from the rim to the interior of the foot, elevating a mere lump of earth into a magnificent work of art. Signed wooden box (shiho-zan)
Diameter 14.3cm x Diameter 14.2cm x Height 8.3cm Ken Fujiwara (1924–1977) began his pottery career in 1946 under his uncle, Kei Fujiwara, and also studied under Toyo Kaneshige and Sozan Kaneshige. Later, he learned the techniques of tableware production under Rosanjin Kitaoji in Kamakura, and in 1956, he established his own kiln. Since then, he has been selected for numerous exhibitions. In 1970, he devised and built a large Bizen kiln using modern refractory bricks. In 1973, he was designated as a holder of an Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture and was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette. Although he was expected to be a leader who would carry the next generation of Bizen pottery, he passed away at the young age of 53.