{"product_id":"p6181","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, an artist who expanded his perspective beyond Japan to share the allure of Bizen ware with the world.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece dates from his early to middle period and possesses a charm distinct from his later works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile it lacks the \"botamochi\" (peony cake) markings that were a signature of his father Kei's Bizen cups, it offers a beautiful shiso-purple hue with ash-covered \"namako\" (sea cucumber) glaze and hints of gold color.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe bright yellow sesame glaze includes raised areas of scorched sesame, and the rich, supple earthen color speaks to the high quality of the clay used.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThese qualities are the very essence found in the early-to-middle works of his father, Kei Fujiwara, yet within the form, one can already feel the budding of Yu’s own characteristically imposing style. It is a sake cup that truly captures the joy of seeing the various elements of a potter’s development seamlessly integrated into an early masterpiece.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe weight and thickness are standard for a Bizen sake cup, making this an accessible piece even for those who might find his typical style a bit overwhelming.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite being an early work, it shows no signs of staining or use.\n\nOriginal signed box (two-way braced)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.9cm x Diameter 6.9cm x Height 5.3cm\n\nYu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Kei Fujiwara, the second Living National Treasure for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe adopted the motto \"simple, clear, and bold\" in his pottery, becoming known as \"Yu of the Jars\" for his many large jars and bowls.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInfluenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating tableware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nStarting in 1972, he held a series of solo exhibitions, including the \"100 Jars Exhibition,\" \"Tokkuri Exhibition,\" \"100 Flowers Exhibition,\" and \"100 Bowls Exhibition.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe also produced numerous large-scale reliefs and sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture in 1980.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1996, he became the first potter in history to be designated a nationally recognized Living National Treasure in the same craft as his father, marking two generations of the family to hold the title. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 2001.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards include: Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award and Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Chugoku Cultural Prize, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Arts and Culture Grand Prize, and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.","brand":"藤原 雄","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618037682273,"sku":"6181","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6181.jpg?v=1790231333","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6181","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}