Bizen Syuhai

This Bizen sake cup is by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, an artist who expanded his perspective beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. The style is instantly recognizable as Fujiwara's, reflecting an approach that strips away superficial techniques to confront the viewer with a naked heart. The deep, heavy, and subdued clay tone he favored resembles the color of reduced red wine, allowing one to enjoy the exquisite hues found only in Bizen ware born of clay and fire. The high-quality yellow sesame glaze, derived from superior split pine wood, includes areas of scorching, with the rough texture of the scorched sesame providing a focal accent to the scenery. Signed wooden box (double-slatted lid)
Diameter 7.2cm × Diameter 7.0cm × Height 5.5cm 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 highly skilled in creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including "One Hundred Jars," "Sake Bottles," "One Hundred Flowers," and "One Hundred Bowls." He also produced numerous large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967 and was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in 1980. In 1996, he became the first person to follow his parent as a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure) in the field of ceramics.
Major awards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Grand Prize for Arts and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.