{"product_id":"p6322","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This is a Bizen sake flask by Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for his bold, open-hearted, and warmly evocative style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBased on the firing and form, this piece appears to date from Mr. Fujiwara's middle period, and as it includes a brochure for the \"4th Kei Fujiwara Bizen New Works Exhibition,\" it is likely an item that was featured in a solo exhibition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his greeting printed in the included brochure, Mr. Fujiwara addresses comments from that time noting that his work featured more kiln-transmutation effects than historical Bizen ware, and upon inspection, one can see how perfectly justified those observations were in this magnificent ash-covered kiln-transmutation finish.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rich, ash-glazed surface is as smooth as if it were wet. While it is certainly a finish not found in antique Bizen, it embodies the \"refined individuality\" that Mr. Fujiwara mentioned in the brochure—a finish that feels perfectly suited for a sake flask crafted by a true lover of drink.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe soft, tactile quality of the ash-covered kiln-transmutation seems to beckon for sake to be poured into it, while the scattered \"nuke\" (uncovered spots) provide a superb landscape that adds flair to any social gathering.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe form also clearly exhibits the characteristics of his earlier work; it features the traditional turnip-shape (kabu-gata) with a silhouette reminiscent of ancient Bizen, offering a glimpse into the origins of what would become Mr. Fujiwara's signature style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a flask that bridges the gap between a profound reverence for antique Bizen and the pride of an individual potter—a piece brought together by \"Kei-san,\" a drinker cherished by all.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box (lid with medicine chest-style overlap)\u003cbr\u003e\nMouth diameter 3.9cm x Body diameter 9.7cm x Body diameter 9.7cm x Height 15.0cm Capacity approx. 460cc\n\nKei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Honami, Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe received initial instruction in techniques such as wheel throwing from Umekage Mimura, and from 1941, he studied firing methods and refined his craft under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Bizen ware Living National Treasure.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he was inspired by the simplicity and boldness seen in Kamakura and Muromachi period Bizen ware, establishing a style that was simple, clear, and generous, rather than overly reliant on technique.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis artistic sensibilities, cultivated during his youth as an aspiring writer and poet, also had a significant influence on his work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for Okayama Prefecture in 1954 and became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1958.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1970, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, known as 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: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, Junior Fifth Rank, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, among others.","brand":"藤原 啓","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618046890081,"sku":"6322","price":200000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6322.jpg?v=1790231435","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6322","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}