Masterful Fusion of Bizen and Oribe Traditions – “Tenmoku” Jar by Acclaimed Potter Kyosuke Fujiwara Description: This piece is titled “Bizen Oribe Tenmoku Jar” and is a work by the renowned Japanese potter Kyosuke Fujiwara. It is a beautiful handmade jar that fuses the traditional techniques of Bizen ware and Oribe ware. The deep olive-green glaze, over which black speckles are scattered, strongly expresses the characteristics of the Tenmoku style. From the smoothly rounded yet powerful body, the slender, upright neck and well-defined mouth create a form of dignified presence. The base is left unglazed, revealing the texture of the clay, and bears the artist’s seal. It comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and cloth, guaranteeing the authenticity of the work. This is an exceptional piece that embodies the beauty of Japanese ceramics and traditional techniques. Cultural & Art Context: This piece embodies a sophisticated dialogue between two of Japan’s most storied ceramic traditions—Bizen and Oribe—while integrating the timeless allure of Tenmoku glazing. Bizen ware, known for its unglazed, fire-marked surfaces, has long been revered for its raw, organic aesthetic, representing a naturalistic approach to pottery with origins in Okayama Prefecture. In contrast, Oribe ware, which flourished during the Momoyama and early Edo periods, embraces vivid green glazes and dynamic asymmetry, reflecting the avant-garde spirit of tea masters and samurai culture. The Tenmoku glaze, historically associated with Chinese Song Dynasty tea bowls and adopted by Japanese Zen monks, adds a profound depth and luminous texture to this work. Fujiwara’s jar exemplifies the balance of form and surface — the earthy, subtly speckled green glaze seems to flow organically across the surface, while the clean neck and lip lend a touch of refinement. This vessel is not only a functional form but also a philosophical artifact, channeling centuries of ceramic lineage with contemporary sensitivity. Collector Appeal: For collectors of Japanese ceramics, this jar is a rare opportunity to acquire a work that harmonizes multiple historical aesthetics in a single, signed piece. Kyosuke Fujiwara’s works are increasingly sought after by connoisseurs for their thoughtful craftsmanship and deep cultural grounding. The presence of the original signed tomobako (wooden box) and artist seal adds to the piece’s authenticity and investment value. Whether displayed as a centerpiece in a wabi-sabi inspired interior, integrated into a tea ceremony setting, or kept as a prized collectible, this jar delivers both visual impact and cultural substance. Its substantial weight and form speak to its quality, while the nuanced glazing invites prolonged contemplation. A museum-worthy acquisition for lovers of Japanese heritage and contemporary ceramic art. Dimensions: Height: 23.5 cm Diameter: 19 cm Diameter (rim): 4.5 cm Weight: 2550 g Condition:No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile: Kyosuke Fujiwara (藤原恭助) is a potter born in 1939 in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, as the second son of Fujiwara Kai, holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property "Bizen Ware," and brother to Fujiwara Yu, who also became a Living National Treasure, making him a member of the prestigious Fujiwara family. After studying Western painting at Tokyo Bunka Gakuin, he trained at the Gifu Prefectural Ceramics Testing Laboratory in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, where he thoroughly mastered Mino-style techniques such as Shino, Oribe, Ki-seto, and Tenmoku glazes. In 1965, he established his own kiln, "Momori-gama" (桃里窯), in the "Momo no Sato" area of Kita Ward, Okayama City, blending the glaze and forming sensibilities honed in Tajimi with the earthy texture and firing instincts rooted in Bizen traditions to develop his unique style. Centering on Shino, Oribe, Bizen Shino, and Ki-seto, he creates tea ceramics and tableware like tea bowls, tea caddies, flower vases, and basins, earning high acclaim from tea practitioners and collectors for their soft glaze tones and dignified forms. Following his debut solo exhibition at Okayama Tenmaya in 1966, he held numerous shows at department store art galleries, positioning himself as "a distinctive figure from Bizen's renowned lineage who centered on Mino Shino while expanding innovatively," thanks to works that combine Mino's diverse glaze landscapes with Bizen pottery's earthy expressions.​ Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. 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