1 / 7
No. 8058
Bizen Shuhai
¥55,000
Loading reference prices...
These are approximate reference prices. The actual billing amount may vary depending on the exchange rate.
Description
This is a Bizen Shuhai, or Guinomi, by Kei Fujiwara, a beloved artist whose warm style was admired by many for its generous, broad-minded character and the gentle kindness that seemed to emanate from his works.
Judging from its style, this piece appears to have been made around the middle period of Fujiwara’s career. It is a rare Shuhai featuring a beautiful golden-toned Hidasuki effect.
The piece was likely fired together with a different type of work, such as a jar or large flower vase, or placed inside a saggar during firing. Due to the wide range of effects produced in the climbing kiln, the Hidasuki has transformed into a golden, metallic-looking tone.
In terms of firing technique, this golden Hidasuki effect is closely related to Ao-Bizen, or blue Bizen, produced through strong reduction firing. This work also shows distinctive kiln changes reminiscent of Ao-Bizen in various areas.
The clay surface around the Hidasuki areas is especially unique in color. The coppery, Ao-Bizen-like texture, combined with whitish feldspar-like particles emerging from the clay, creates a landscape that resembles granite or another kind of volcanic rock. It is a highly fascinating feature.
Although slightly thickly potted, the rim has been shaped outward with the fingers, giving the piece a bold character that feels very much in keeping with Fujiwara’s own love of sake.
This is an ideal companion for the sake table, a piece that will continue to grow richer in character the more it is used.
Kei Fujiwara
1899–1983
Born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
Kei Fujiwara entered the world of Bizen ware at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who lived in Honami, Bizen City.
He first received instruction in wheel throwing and other techniques from Baikei Mimura. From 1941, he studied firing techniques under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure of Bizen ware.
In 1954, Fujiwara became the second Bizen ware artist to be designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1958, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.
In 1977, together with his eldest son, Yu Fujiwara, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major honors include the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, the Chugoku Culture Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, and the posthumous award of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, with the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank.
Judging from its style, this piece appears to have been made around the middle period of Fujiwara’s career. It is a rare Shuhai featuring a beautiful golden-toned Hidasuki effect.
The piece was likely fired together with a different type of work, such as a jar or large flower vase, or placed inside a saggar during firing. Due to the wide range of effects produced in the climbing kiln, the Hidasuki has transformed into a golden, metallic-looking tone.
In terms of firing technique, this golden Hidasuki effect is closely related to Ao-Bizen, or blue Bizen, produced through strong reduction firing. This work also shows distinctive kiln changes reminiscent of Ao-Bizen in various areas.
The clay surface around the Hidasuki areas is especially unique in color. The coppery, Ao-Bizen-like texture, combined with whitish feldspar-like particles emerging from the clay, creates a landscape that resembles granite or another kind of volcanic rock. It is a highly fascinating feature.
Although slightly thickly potted, the rim has been shaped outward with the fingers, giving the piece a bold character that feels very much in keeping with Fujiwara’s own love of sake.
This is an ideal companion for the sake table, a piece that will continue to grow richer in character the more it is used.
Kei Fujiwara
1899–1983
Born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
Kei Fujiwara entered the world of Bizen ware at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who lived in Honami, Bizen City.
He first received instruction in wheel throwing and other techniques from Baikei Mimura. From 1941, he studied firing techniques under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure of Bizen ware.
In 1954, Fujiwara became the second Bizen ware artist to be designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1958, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.
In 1977, together with his eldest son, Yu Fujiwara, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major honors include the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, the Chugoku Culture Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, and the posthumous award of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, with the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank.
Details
- Pottery Type
- guinomi
- Dimensions
- W7.0cm x D6.3cm x H5.2cm
About the Artist
Kei Fujiwara
1899–1983
Born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
Kei Fujiwara entered the world of Bizen ware at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who lived in Honami, Bizen City.
He first received instruction in wheel throwing and other techniques from Baikei Mimura. From 1941, he studied firing techniques under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure of Bizen ware.
In 1954, Fujiwara became the second Bizen ware artist to be designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1958, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.
In 1977, together with his eldest son, Yu Fujiwara, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major honors include the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, the Chugoku Culture Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, and the posthumous award of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, with the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank.
1899–1983
Born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
Kei Fujiwara entered the world of Bizen ware at the recommendation of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who lived in Honami, Bizen City.
He first received instruction in wheel throwing and other techniques from Baikei Mimura. From 1941, he studied firing techniques under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure of Bizen ware.
In 1954, Fujiwara became the second Bizen ware artist to be designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1958, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association.
In 1977, together with his eldest son, Yu Fujiwara, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
Major honors include the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, the Chugoku Culture Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Citizen of Okayama Prefecture, and the posthumous award of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, with the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank.