{"product_id":"p6230","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This is a Bizen sake flask by Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for his bold, candid, and warmly evocative style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBased on the firing and form, this piece appears to date from between the artist's middle and late periods, featuring his signature round, bulbous turnip-shaped silhouette.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe upper portion was fired with another vessel or a specialized sleeve covering it, creating the distinctive two-tone kiln-altered coloration characteristic of \"kabuse-yaki\" (covered firing).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe lower portion is coated in a matte, black natural glaze, with mist-like \"sangiri\" (reduced firing effects) and yellow \"goma\" (ash glaze) appearing as if they are emerging from the surface beneath.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe upper portion, wrapped in straw, underwent a steam-firing process, resulting in a shimmering \"hidasuki\" (fire-cord) effect that catches the light.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFitting for an artist who was a devotee of literature and fine liquor, this piece is perhaps best appreciated not for technical virtuosity or flawless wheel-throwing, but for the rustic charm emanating from its unpretentious form.\n\nBoxed and signed by Keisuke (with four-way locking joints)\u003cbr\u003e\nRim 3.2cm × Body diameter 9.1cm × Body diameter 9.0cm × Height 12.3cm, Capacity approx. 350cc\n\nKei Fujiwara (1899–1983; born in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a literary scholar living in Honami.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe received instruction in techniques such as wheel-throwing from Baikkei Mimura, and from 1941, he refined his craft under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure in Bizen ware, from whom he learned firing methods.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he aspired to the simplicity and boldness seen in Old Bizen from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, establishing a simple, clear, and generous style that avoided an over-reliance on technique.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis artistic sensibilities, cultivated through his early aspirations toward literature and poetry, also profoundly influenced his work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1954, he was recognized as a holder of an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1970, he was designated a holder of a nationally recognized Important Intangible Cultural Property, a Living National Treasure.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum opened in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1977.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 1983.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor 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, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.","brand":"藤原 啓","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618041352289,"sku":"6230","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6230.jpg?v=1790231366","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6230","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}