FUJIWARA YŪ 藤原雄 (1932-2001)

A square Bizen plate by LNT Fujiwara Yū. The bold plate with rounded edges and a wide rim is covered with a light brown ash glaze with some black encrustations. The reserve patterns were created by placing lumps of clay on the surface of the plate and leaving these areas unglazed. Due to the shape of the clay pieces, this technique is called "botamochi" or "rice cake" (a classic Japanese snack). The bottom of the plate is unglazed, but shows red traces of "fire cords" (hidasuki) caused by braided straw cords soaked in salt water before firing. These cords were used here as a cushion on which the plate rested during firing.

Fujiwara Yū, born in 1932 in Honami in Bizen, Okayama Prefecture, the son of Fujiwara Kei (1899-1983), was awarded the title of "Living National Treasure" in 1996 for his continuing efforts to preserve and teach the traditional techniques of Bizen pottery. Fujiwara Yū was recognized early on abroad as one of Japan's leading traditional potters, resulting in numerous exhibitions in Japan and overseas. His works are in many international public collections and are part of the permanent exhibition at the Fujiwara Kei Memorial Hall, a wonderful museum dedicated to the work of the family and the Bizen tradition in Okayama.

The plate is signed with Yū's potter's mark on the bottom and comes with a matching wooden box. The box is inscribed, signed and sealed by the artist.

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