Item Description This is a Bizen ware mizusashi (tea ceremony water jar) in the "suribachi-gata" (mortar-shaped) form, made by 藤原啓 Fujiwara Kei (1899-1983), a Living National Treasure. The low, stable body has a spout on the rim and an unglazed reddish-brown clay surface. Inside, bold combed strokes decorate the base. A glossy black lacquer lid with a small loop handle fits over the rim, with a matching notch for the spout. The foot bears an incised mark. The piece comes with its original wooden box, inscribed and signed by the artist with a red seal. The box inscription reads "Bizen suribachi-gata mizusashi". Provenance: Japanese private collection. Artist Profile Fujiwara Kei (1899-1983) was the second Bizen ware potter to be designated a Living National Treasure, an honour he received in 1970. He began as a writer and poet and turned to ceramics at about the age of 40. He first studied under the Bizen potter Mimura Umekage, then under Kaneshige Toyo, the first Living National Treasure in Bizen ware. Guided by Toyo, he deepened his understanding of the ko-Bizen style and made works in the solemn manner of Momoyama and Kamakura period ceramics. He was recognised as a conservator of Bizen ware techniques in 1948 and became a regular member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1956. His work is known for simple yet powerful sculptural beauty and for yohen, the colours and patterns that arise from chance transformations during firing. His works are held in institutions including the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Size Height: 12 cm Width: 27 cm Depth: 28 cm Condition Kiln flaws (kama-kizu) from firing are present on the Bizen body, and the lacquer lid has scratches. Please refer to the photographs for details. Additional Information Maker: Fujiwara Kei (Bizen ware) Country: Japan Materials: Unglazed Bizen stoneware; lacquered lid Accessories: Original wooden box (inscribed and signed by the artist, with seal), black lacquer lid Provenance: Japanese private collection