Bizen sake bottle

This is a Bizen sake bottle by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded the reach of Bizen ware not only within Japan but across the globe. The fine, dense *kase-goma* (matte ash glaze) finish is reminiscent of moss-covered rocks along a mountain stream. The *kase-goma* is so dense that it clings to the palm of one's hand, feeling almost like sandpaper. Through gaps in the *kase-goma*, one can see the red clay body, which possesses the deep, distinctive character typical of Fujiwara's work.

Original wooden box (with four-sided cleats)
Rim diameter 3.4cm × body diameter 7.8cm × body diameter 7.5cm × height 10.2cm, Capacity: approx. 190ml

Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. In his pottery, he adopted the motto "simple, clear, and bold," and frequently crafted jars and bowls, earning him the nickname "Yu of the Jars." Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars Exhibition," "Tokkuri (Sake Bottle) Exhibition," "100 Vases Exhibition," and "100 Bowls Exhibition." He also produced numerous large-scale reliefs and objets d'art. In 1967, he received the Japan Ceramics Society Award. In 1980, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a holder of a national Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), following in the footsteps of his father.
Major awards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award/Culture Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Arts and Culture Grand Prize, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon This is a Bizen sake bottle by Living National Treasure Yu Fujiwara, who expanded the reach of Bizen ware not only within Japan but across the globe. The fine, dense *kase-goma* (matte ash glaze) finish is reminiscent of moss-covered rocks along a mountain stream. The *kase-goma* is so dense that it clings to the palm of one's hand, feeling almost like sandpaper. Through gaps in the *kase-goma*, one can see the red clay body, which possesses the deep, distinctive character typical of Fujiwara's work. Original wooden box (with four-sided cleats)
Rim diameter 3.4cm × body diameter 7.8cm × body diameter 7.5cm × height 10.2cm, Capacity: approx. 190cc Yu Fujiwara (1932–2001, born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara. In his pottery, he adopted the motto "simple, clear, and bold," and frequently crafted jars and bowls, earning him the nickname "Yu of the Jars." Influenced by Rosanjin Kitaoji, he was also highly skilled in creating tableware. Starting in 1972, he held a series of exhibitions, including the "100 Jars Exhibition," "Tokkuri (Sake Bottle) Exhibition," "100 Vases Exhibition," and "100 Bowls Exhibition." He also produced numerous large-scale reliefs and objets d'art. In 1967, he received the Japan Ceramics Society Award. In 1980, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he became the first person in the pottery world to be designated a holder of a national Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), following in the footsteps of his father.
Major awards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award/Culture Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts, Academia Arts and Culture Grand Prize, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon