Bizen Syuhai

This Bizen sake cup is by the Living National Treasure, Yu Fujiwara, who expanded his vision beyond Japan to share the allure of Bizen ware with the world. It features a style instantly recognizable as his own, a piece created with an honest heart that eschews superficial technique. Created during his later years, it exhibits the profound, deep purple-red "shiso" hue that is synonymous with Fujiwara Bizen. As expected of his work, the "botamochi" markings on the rim and interior are prominent, skillfully creating a brighter color contrast against the rich shiso-colored backdrop. The texture of the clay in the botamochi area is exceptionally soft, while the rim is refined to offer a smooth mouthfeel, making it perfect for drinking. The thick, baked-on yellow sesame glaze adds further depth, reflecting the uncompromising standards of Fujiwara, who was known as a discerning gourmet and epicure. Original signed box (shiho-zan) with lid
Diameter 7.5cm x Diameter 7.3cm x Height 6.0cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. He adopted "simple, clear, and bold" as his motto for pottery, becoming known as "Yu of the Jars" for his mastery of jars and bowls. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating tableware. Beginning in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars," "Tokkuri (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 Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1980. In 1996, he and his father became the first father-son pair in the ceramic arts to both be designated as holders of National Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National 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 Arts and Culture, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.