{"product_id":"p8058","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for his bold, open-hearted, and warmly evocative style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJudging by the style, this piece dates from the artist's middle period and features the rare \"golden-hued hidaski\" (fire-cord) technique.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt appears to have been fired inside a saggar along with other works, such as jars or large vases, and because of the significant temperature variations inherent in a climbing kiln, the fire-cord markings have transformed into a golden hue.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTechnically, this golden-hued hidaski is nearly synonymous with \"blue Bizen produced by strong reduction firing,\" and this piece displays characteristic blue Bizen-style kiln changes throughout.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe texture of the clay around the fire-cord markings is particularly unique; the copper-like, blue Bizen-esque surface, punctuated by white feldspar inclusions, gives it the appearance of volcanic rock, such as granite, which is fascinating to behold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThough slightly thick, the rim, tapered outward by the artist's fingers, reflects the character of Fujiwara—a man known for his love of drink—making this an ideal companion for a sake enthusiast that will only improve with use.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.0cm × 6.3cm, Height 5.2cm\n\nKei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Honami, Bizen, Okayama Prefecture) entered the world of Bizen pottery at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature who lived in Honami.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe received instruction in wheel-throwing from Umekage Mimura, and from 1941, he studied firing techniques and refined his craft under Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative work, he aspired to the simplicity and boldness found in ancient Bizen pottery from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, establishing a style that was simple, clear, and magnanimous, without relying too heavily on technique alone.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe appreciation for the arts he cultivated while pursuing literature and poetry in his youth also exerted a major influence on his work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of 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 as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, commonly known as a Living National Treasure.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum opened in Bizen, 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 Resident of Okayama Prefecture, Junior Fifth Rank, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class.","brand":"藤原 啓","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618236616801,"sku":"8058","price":55000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8058.jpg?v=1790233690","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8058","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}