Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen sake bottle is by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, an artist who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. The style is unmistakably that of Yu Fujiwara, a piece created with an honest heart that eschews superficial techniques. This work from his middle period—accompanied by a ceramic history dating to around 1981—blends a composed elegance into the energetic style of his younger years. The subtle *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings give the bottle a deep, mellow quality, as if the vessel itself were intoxicated, and its mysterious, profound charm is quintessentially Bizen. The generous, wide neck—large enough for an index finger to slip right in—and the adorable, plump, tanuki-like body clearly embody the characteristic features of Fujiwara Bizen. Original signed wooden box (with double-slat lid)
Mouth rim 3.8cm × Body diameter 9.3cm × Body diameter 9.3cm × Height 12.3cm; Capacity approx. 270cc 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 often called "Yu of the Jars" for the many jars and bowls he produced. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also skilled at tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "Hundred Jars Exhibition," "Sake Bottle Exhibition," "Hundred Flowers Exhibition," and "Hundred Bowls Exhibition." He also created many large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967 and was designated a Prefectural Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1980. In 1996, he became the first person in the ceramic world to achieve the distinction of being a second-generation, state-designated Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
Major awards: Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Culture Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Prize for Art and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.