Tokkuri-Sake Flask / Bizen / Bizen / Fujiwara Yu
Bizen Yohen Tokkuri by LNT Fujiwara Yu
Fujiwara Yu(1932-2001) was the fourth Bizen potter to be named a Living National Treasure, that was in 1996. His father Kei was also a LNT--the second for Bizen; first was Kaneshige Toyo, third was Yamamoto Toshu and now we have Isezaki Jun. Yu had an amazing career winning the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1967 and designated an Okayama Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property in 1980; his works are in major museums here in Japan and worldwide. I have lots of good things, and also much criticism, to say about Yu. In a nutshell, he peaked in the 1970s-early 80s and then seemed to 'cruise' from then on for the most part. With the large number of firings he did each year---much more than most Bizen potters--he had more of the great mixed in with the mediocre in terms of inspired forms and firing effects; in any case he sold them all during the 'Bizen Boom.' Looking at the many catalogs--and also seeing hundreds of his actual works, I have a very good hold on Yu's work. As I mentioned, his best works come from the 70s and early 80s and this tokkuri dates to 1983. It has a pleasing form and then the most highly prized yohen-kiln changes--firing; very few in any single kiln come out like this, the yohen space in a kiln is very limited in size. In perfect condition with a signed box, 12.5cm.tall and 9cm.wide, signed on base.
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