Item Description: 藤原雄 Fujiwara Yu (1932-2001) Bizen Flower Vase (備前花器) With original wooden box (共箱) This commanding Bizen flower vase was crafted by Fujiwara Yu, one of the most celebrated masters in the history of Japanese ceramics and a designated Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō) recognized in 1996. The piece comes with its original wooden storage box (共箱), attesting to its authenticity and provenance. The vase exemplifies the essence of Bizen ware — unglazed, wood-fired to high temperature, allowing the natural interaction of ash, flame, and clay to create a richly textured surface of deep earth tones. The form embodies Fujiwara Yu's guiding aesthetic principles of simplicity, clarity, and bold vitality ("単純・明快・豪放"), resulting in a work of timeless sculptural presence. The natural firing effects — including subtle hi-iro (flame markings) and ash deposits — lend each surface a unique, unrepeatable character that makes Bizen ware so highly prized by collectors worldwide. A rare opportunity to acquire a work by one of the twentieth century's preeminent ceramic masters, whose pieces are held in major museum collections and command significant collector interest. Size Height: 28 cm Width: 17 cm Depth: 17 cm Weight: 3,100 g Condition The piece shows some age-related surface wear and scuffs consistent with its history; no major structural damage noted. Buyers are advised to refer to the provided photographs for full condition details. Artist Profile 藤原雄 Fujiwara Yu (1932-2001) was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, as the eldest son of Fujiwara Kei, himself a Living National Treasure of Bizen ware. Despite severe visual impairment — blind in his left eye and with minimal vision in his right — he pursued higher education and graduated from Meiji University's Faculty of Literature. After returning to his hometown to care for his ailing father, he was encouraged to take up ceramics and began studying under his father's guidance. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in Bizen ceramics, becoming a full member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1961. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Prize in 1967 and went on to receive numerous prestigious awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, the Okayama Prefectural Culture Award, and the Ministry of Education Arts Encouragement Prize. His works entered the collections of major art museums worldwide. He was also deeply committed to education, teaching at universities and nurturing the next generation of ceramic artists through public exhibitions such as the "Yakishime Ceramics Open Competition." In 1996, he was designated a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Bizen ware — the first time in Japanese ceramic history that a father and son had both received this honor. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 69. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.