Bizen Tokkuri

This Bizen sake bottle is by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to the world, widely conveying the appeal of Bizen ware. The potter's mark is engraved very large, suggesting that this is an early work produced when he was young, for which a new box was fashioned after he was designated a Living National Treasure. The entire surface is covered in a very fine, moss-green "kase-goma" (matte ash glaze), and it features a remarkably stunning "marunuke" (circular void) that stands out as sharply as if drawn with a compass. The circular void is a vibrant orange, like ripened fruit, and combined with the plant-like texture of the matte glaze, it gives the ceramic the appearance of a succulent fruit. While Yu Fujiwara often produced smaller sake bottles in his later years, this piece reflects his early period with its substantial, large turnip-shaped form, reminiscent of the style of his father, Kei Fujiwara. Signed wooden box (shiho-zan) with lid
Rim 3.7cm × Body diameter 10.3cm × Body diameter 10.1cm × Height 12.4cm Capacity approx. 450cc 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." He worked extensively on jars and bowls, earning him the nickname "Yu of the Jars." Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also adept at creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars Exhibition," "Sake Bottle Exhibition," "100 Flowers Exhibition," and "100 Bowls Exhibition." He also created many large-scale reliefs and objects. In 1967, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1980, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), following his father to become the second generation in his family to receive the honor.
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 Blue Ribbon.