Bizen Tokkuri

This is an exquisite Bizen sake bottle by Kei Fujiwara, a master beloved by all for a warm, open-hearted, and gentle style that emanates from his work. This piece, dating from the artist's middle period, features a harmonious blend of matte *kase-goma* (stony sesame glaze), ash-covered surfaces, and *sangiri* (kiln-floor reduction), creating a refined and understated landscape. A soft, gentle scarlet hue complements the modest yet profound appearance, strongly reflecting the personal tastes of Fujiwara, who famously preferred using *kase-goma* and scarlet-toned sake vessels during his lifetime. The simple, unadorned *maru-kabu* (round turnip) shape, despite being ceramic, evokes a sense of a human visage, with its perfectly round body appearing as if it wears a cheerful and friendly smile. (*Note: Please be aware that the vessel may leak if filled with water for an extended period, and therefore it cannot be used as a flower vase.*) Original wooden box (shiho-san style)
Mouth diameter 3.5cm × Body diameter 9.5cm × Body diameter 9.5cm × Height 12.2cm; Capacity approx. 340cc Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen ware at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who resided in Honami.
He received initial guidance in wheel-throwing and other techniques from Baikai Mimura, and from 1941, he further refined his skills by studying firing methods under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure for Bizen ware.
In his creative process, he was inspired by the rustic simplicity and boldness found in ancient Bizen pottery from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, establishing a clear, simple, and generous style that did not rely overly on technique.
His artistic sensibilities, cultivated during his youth as an aspiring writer and poet, also had a profound influence on his work.
In 1954, he was recognized as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.
In 1970, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government, commonly known as a Living National Treasure.
In 1977, the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum opened in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
He passed away in 1983.
Major awards and honors include: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, Junior Fifth Rank, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.