Guinomi / Bizen / Bizen / Fujiwara Kei
Rare Bizen Guinomi Pair by Fujiwara Kei
In my over two decades in Japan (approaching three) I've only seen one other such Fujiwara Kei set. Bizen's second Living National Treasure was Fujiwara Kei(1899-1983); he was named a LNT in 1970. His love for sake is well-known and thus he made some of the finest sake vessels of the 20th century. Here, as noted, is a rare circa 1941 tall cylindrical guinomi pair with surely some of the most shibui hidasuki-straw cord marking I've ever seen; they date also to a period when Fujiwara was using a rougher clay of which brings out superb 'clay flavor.' He used this clay and also a special kiln for only a few years; the kiln was destroyed during a typhoon-landslide; it was called 'Chiku-tei-kyou' or 'Bamboo Beach Home.' In perfect condition with a worn signed box, 8.6 and 8.2cm.tall, signed on base. The tokkuri shown in a photo is by son Yu (On Reserve).