Bizen Hidasuki Shuhai

This Bizen-hidasuki sake cup is the work of Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who broadened his horizons beyond Japan to share the appeal of Bizen ware with the world. It features a style instantly recognizable as his own, a work that strikes the viewer with a naked heart, stripped of all superficial technique. The cup is egg-shaped with a slightly narrowed rim, resulting in a piece that fits perfectly in the palm and is highly comfortable to use. Furthermore, the lip is slightly flared, a thoughtful touch characteristic of Fujiwara, who always designed with the user in mind. The piece features the unique Fujiwara family style of hidasuki—dark brown fire-flashing against an azuki-bean-colored clay base—creating a refined and understated appearance that highlights the unique qualities of Bizen ware. (There is a trace of peeling in the hidasuki on the foot, but this does not affect its use.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.7cm × Height 6.0cm Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. In his pottery, he adopted the motto "simple, clear, and bold," and was known as "Fujiwara of the Vases" for his prolific work in jars and bowls. Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "One Hundred Vases Exhibition," "Tokkuri Exhibition," "One Hundred Flowers Exhibition," and "One Hundred Bowls Exhibition." He also created many large-scale reliefs and objects. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967. In 1980, he was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a National Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure), following in his father's footsteps.
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.