Vase / Bizen / Fujiwara Ken
Tall Bizen Vase by Fujiwara Ken
"Bizen ceramist Fujiwara Ken (1924-1977) has to rank as one of my all-time favorite potters in Japan. There is a mysterious link between us that can never be expressed in words- it is a spiritual connection between two souls that have never met in the flesh. His pieces are poetry to me. I often wonder what happened to Fujiwara, as he passed from this world in his early fifties. I know that he was fond of sake, but I believe there must have been some compelling reason behind that obsession. A struggle in the soul? The man was gentle, yet tormented, a duality of moods day in and out. Such swings can tear a man apart, much in the manner of searching poets..." Extract from Ode to Japanese Pottery. 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, the nephew of LNT Fujiwara Kei and the cousin of LNT Fujiwara Yu. If he had lived longer, this extraordinary potter would sure have been a LNT himself (he was already designated an Okayama Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property holder). Ken was known to be torn between life and art, alcohol and sobriety. Rosanjin learned to fire Bizen by studying under Ken for 3 months- they became friends- Rosanjin the master chef would cook for Ken, and Ken for Rosanjin. Ken looked up to Rosanjin with admiration, yet the admiration went both ways. Rosanjin, never hesitant to criticize, only had the highest of praise for Ken's character and his work. Ever loyal, honest, and caring, Ken was a "gentle giant." In his works lie those special characteristics of Ken. This piece embodies a silent, transcendental power, a strength of spirit that cannot be measured by words. The form is unique (hardly can one see a like form from Ken in past catalogs), and the "tsuchi-aji" clay flavor is absolutely rich with life. The "goma" ash displays and the smoky "sangiri" grayish-blue kiln effects give the piece landscapes that are emblematic of an excellent kiln firing by a skilled hand; 34.5cm tall, 21cm wide,(3.3kg) comes with a signed box and is in perfect condition.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
