Tokkuri / Bizen / Fujiwara Ken
Bizen Tokkuri by Fujiwara Ken
If one ever had to own just one classic 20th century Bizen tokkuri then surely this one by Fujiwara Ken would be in the running. Kaneshige Toyo (1896-1967), Bizen's first Living National Treasure, once said,"if you want to know how to fire a kiln, go see Ken." He was referring to Fujiwara Ken (1924-1977), the nephew of LNT Fujiwara Kei and the cousin of LNT Fujiwara Yu. If he had lived longer, this outstanding potter would sure have been a LNT himself (he was already designated an Okayama Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property holder). Rosanjin, never hesitant to criticize, only had the highest of praise for Ken's character and his work; Ken spent some time with Rosanjin teaching Rosanjin how to fire his Kaneshige-built kiln. I have seen quite a few Ken tokkuri, yet only one before with a firing like the one offered here--the two must have been fired in the exact same spot; the balance of goma and 'clay flavor' on the front, outlined in red, is exceptional. In perfect condition with a signed box, 12cm.tall, signed on side.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
