Bizen Mizusashi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for a warm style that radiated his bold and open-hearted personality. This water jar dates to the artist's middle period and features a rich, viscous *shiso*-red base combined with austere *kase-goma* (crusty ash glazing). One look is all it takes to realize that exceptionally high-quality clay was used; the striking and beautiful character of the clay is evident not only on the front and exterior, but also in areas not typically seen, such as the underside of the lid and the base. Naturally, the rich *shiso*-red color of the body is so intense that one might mistakenly believe it would melt to the touch, and it perfectly complements the austere *kase-goma* that is characteristic of Fujiwara’s work. True to the artist’s background as a poet, the piece is also appealing for its unique, unconventional form; its rounded, charming shape makes it a delight to display whether the lid is on or off. Signed wooden box (double-slat)
Diameter 16.6cm x 16.5cm x Height 15.8cm Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the urging of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who lived in Honami.

He received instruction in techniques such as throwing on the potter’s wheel from Baikei Mimura, and from 1941, he refined his ceramic skills by learning firing methods from Toyo Kaneshige, the first Bizen ware Living National Treasure.

In his creative process, he aspired to the simplicity and boldness seen in Old Bizen from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, establishing a style that was simple, clear, and generous without being overly reliant on technique.

Furthermore, the artistic sensibilities he cultivated while aspiring to be a writer and poet in his youth had a significant influence on his work.

In 1954, he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.

In 1970, he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government, commonly known as a Living National Treasure.

The Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum opened in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1977.

He passed away in 1983.

Major awards and honors: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture, Junior Fifth Rank, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, etc.