– Fujiwara Keisuke, respected Bizen potter working in ancestral kiln lineage – Dramatic yōhen (kiln transformation) effects creating unique surface variations – Square-form flower vase (hanaike) ideal for ikebana or contemporary arrangements Summary: This is a Bizen ware square vase (shihō hanaike) by Fujiwara Keisuke (also read Kyōsuke), showcasing the striking yōhen or kiln-change effects characteristic of high-fired Bizen ceramics. Bizen, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, produces unglazed stoneware prized for its earthy textures and unpredictable surface variations created during extended wood-firing. Fujiwara works within the lineage of Bizen potters who have sustained this tradition for generations, and his pieces reflect both respect for ancestral methods and a personal aesthetic sensibility. The vase is in good condition and comes with its original signed box and an artist's card (shiori), confirming authenticity. Bizen ware has been produced in Okayama Prefecture for over a millennium, making it one of Japan's oldest and most revered ceramic traditions. Unlike porcelain or glazed stoneware, Bizen is left unglazed, relying entirely on the effects of fire, ash, and clay body to create its distinctive appearance. The clay from the Bizen region contains high iron content, which contributes to warm reddish-brown tones and a slightly rough, tactile surface. The term yōhen refers to the transformations that occur within the kiln, where flames, ash deposits, and the placement of pieces interact to produce surfaces no potter can fully predict or replicate. Some areas may turn reddish-orange, others grey or black; flashes of colour appear where flames licked the clay, while ash settling on the shoulder creates glassy patches. This element of chance, guided but never controlled, gives each Bizen piece a singular character. Fujiwara Keisuke works within a family lineage deeply rooted in Bizen pottery. The Fujiwara name appears among notable Bizen potters, and practitioners like Keisuke often apprentice under established masters before establishing their own studios. His work honours the rustic, wabi-sabi aesthetic that Bizen embodies—beauty found in imperfection, asymmetry, and natural process rather than technical perfection. The square form (shihō) of this vase departs from the more common cylindrical or ovoid shapes, offering a geometric counterpoint to the organic, unruly surface. This interplay between structured form and wild, flame-born patterning creates visual tension and interest. The vase functions beautifully as a flower container, particularly suited to ikebana arrangements that value negative space and the quiet dialogue between vessel and branch. In contemporary settings, Bizen ware brings warmth and a sense of elemental honesty. Its earthy palette—browns, rusts, greys—harmonises with natural wood, linen, and stone surfaces favoured in modern Scandinavian and Japanese-inspired interiors. Collectors appreciate Bizen for its tactile appeal; the surface invites touch, revealing subtleties that photographs cannot fully convey. As a functional art piece, this vase enriches daily life, transforming the act of arranging flowers into a meditative practice anchored by the weight and presence of ancient clay. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1216