Bizen Hidasuki Guinomi

This is a Bizen hidasuki sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, an artist who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the charm of Bizen ware with the world. The style is instantly recognizable as Fujiwara's, embodying an approach that strips away superficial technique to present a work of raw, heartfelt sincerity. Produced during his relatively early years, the ceramic mark is large and lacks a dot. Even at this younger age, the bold and expansive style characteristic of Fujiwara is fully present, with a powerful stance that makes one feel as though they can hear the whir of his electric potter's wheel. The piece features a signature Fujiwara family firing style, with red hidasuki markings set against a red body, and the interior displays a lustrous, deepened scarlet where the hidasuki has settled. Signed wooden box (double-crosspiece lid)
Diameter 7.7cm × Diameter 7.5cm × Height 6.3cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. His pottery motto 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. From 1972, he organized a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars," "Sake Bottle," "100 Flowers," and "100 Bowls" exhibitions. He also created 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 and his father became the first father-son pair in the history of the ceramics world to both be designated as National Living Treasures.
Major awards include: Kaneshige Toyo 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 the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.