Bizen Shuhai

This Bizen sake cup is by Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for a warm style that exuded both boldness and gentleness. Likely a mid-career piece, it features a fine coating of *kase-goma* (crusty, matte ash glaze) across the entire surface—a signature preference of Fujiwara, who favored this particular kiln effect among the many variations found in Bizen ware. The moss-green *kase-goma* covering the piece gives it a unique, weathered aesthetic, as if the work itself had grown moss over time. The *nuke* (uncovered areas) offer a finish that truly stirs the *wabi* spirit, featuring a well-balanced interplay of rich *shiso* (perilla-leaf) purple and a mellow, light scarlet. The interior showcases the same rich, elegant clay texture, allowing one to savor the high-quality *ta-tsuchi* (paddy clay) characteristic of the Showa era. Original signed box (shiho-zan)
Diameter 6.5cm × 6.3cm × Height 5.3cm Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Honami.

He received instruction in techniques such as wheel-throwing from Baikai Mimura, and from 1941, he refined his ceramic skills under the guidance of Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure for Bizen ware, from whom he learned firing methods.

In his creative process, he was inspired by the rustic simplicity and boldness seen in Kamakura and Muromachi period Old Bizen, establishing a straightforward, generous style that did not rely overly on technique.

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

He was designated a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1954 and was appointed a director of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1958.

In 1970, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, 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 include: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, Junior Fifth Rank, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class.