Bizen sake bottle

This sake flask (tokkuri) features the calm, muted scarlet fire markings (hidaski) characteristic of the climbing-kiln firing technique of Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for a warm style that radiated a bold yet gentle nature. The entire piece has a reddish hue, with a clay texture that feels rich and supple. Its charming shallot-shaped form, typical of Fujiwara’s work, is endearing, and its slightly asymmetrical profile gives it an indescribable depth of character. This small, perfectly sized flask is ideal for evening drinks and is a piece you will want to nurture and enjoy over time.
Please note that there is a small kiln flaw on the base.

Signed wooden box (Keisuke) with four-way interlocking lid (shihosan)
Rim 3.2cm × Body diameter 8.6cm × Body diameter 8.5cm × Height 12.2cm. Capacity: approx. 280cc

Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Bizen, Okayama) entered the world of Bizen ware at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Honami, Bizen. He received instruction in wheel-throwing from Umeikkei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his ceramic skills by learning firing techniques from the fellow Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. Emulating the simplicity and boldness seen in the utilitarian wares of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, he produced jars and vases with a generous and clear-cut style. The artistic education he absorbed in his youth greatly influenced his work. In 1954, he became the second person to be designated a Living National Treasure for Bizen ware, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 1977, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen, Okayama.
Major awards: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture; posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, and conferred the Junior Fifth Rank.

This sake flask (tokkuri) features the calm, muted scarlet fire markings (hidaski) characteristic of the climbing-kiln firing technique of Kei Fujiwara, an artist beloved by all for a warm style that radiated a bold yet gentle nature. The entire piece has a reddish hue, with a clay texture that feels rich and supple. Its charming shallot-shaped form, typical of Fujiwara’s work, is endearing, and its slightly asymmetrical profile gives it an indescribable depth of character. This small, perfectly sized flask is ideal for evening drinks and is a piece you will want to nurture and enjoy over time.
Please note that there is a small kiln flaw on the base. Signed wooden box (Keisuke) with four-way interlocking lid (shihosan)
Rim 3.2cm × Body diameter 8.6cm × Body diameter 8.5cm × Height 12.2cm. Capacity: approx. 280cc Kei Fujiwara (1899–1983, born in Bizen, Okayama) entered the world of Bizen ware at the suggestion of Atsuo Masamune, a scholar of Japanese literature living in Honami, Bizen. He received instruction in wheel-throwing from Umeikkei Mimura, and from 1941, he honed his ceramic skills by learning firing techniques from the fellow Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. Emulating the simplicity and boldness seen in the utilitarian wares of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, he produced jars and vases with a generous and clear-cut style. The artistic education he absorbed in his youth greatly influenced his work. In 1954, he became the second person to be designated a Living National Treasure for Bizen ware, and in 1958, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 1977, he established the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum in Bizen, Okayama.
Major awards: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Chugoku Cultural Award, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City, Honorary Resident of Okayama Prefecture; posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, and conferred the Junior Fifth Rank.