Bizen Hidasuki Ichigo-hai

Ken Fujiwara was a timeless master whose works combine boldness with remarkable precision. This is a Bizen Hidasuki Ichigo-hai by the artist.

As suggested by the unusual name *Ichigo-hai*—a cup with a capacity of approximately one *go*—this is a relatively rare form among Fujiwara’s works and can be used much like what we would today call a beer cup.

The piece was fired while placed inside another vessel in the kiln. Rich Hidasuki markings spread across the clay surface, which contains a small amount of fine sand.

The clean, refreshing white clay, together with the subtle sheen created by a slight intrusion of flame, gives the work a clay character reminiscent of the relatively low-iron rice-field clay used by Toyo Kaneshige during the later years of his career.

Fujiwara was renowned for his exceptional aesthetic sense and mastery of Hidasuki. Here, the bold yet fluid movement of the straw markings is particularly impressive. Rather than relying on elaborate technical effects, the work presents a direct and compelling expression created simply through clay and firing.

Perhaps with beer and similar drinks in mind, the rim is drawn slightly narrower than that of a typical Guinomi. The result is a beautifully balanced work that combines practicality with refined visual appeal.

He was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture in 1924.
He started learning about Bizen ware from his uncle Kei Fujiwara in 1946.
He made a large hole type kiln (Anagama) in 1970.
He died in 1977.