A fabulous Bizen vase in the shape of tapered bamboo by Living National Treasure Fujiwara Kei enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Take Fushi Hanaire. It is 10 cm (4 inchesa) diameter, 25.5 cm (10-1/4 inches) tall and in perfect condition.
Born in Bizen City, Okayama in 1899, Kei did not enter the ceramic world until he was already 40 years old. In his youth he studied art and literature in Tokyo. Intent upon becoming a novelist, he spent nearly 20 years there before returning to his hometown, where, upon advice from art critic and novelist Atsuo Masamune, he began his hand at Bizen. He fell under the tutelage of friend Kaneshige Toyo, one of the most important figures in 20th century Bizen. Together they worked to revive ancient Bizen-yaki and contributed to its expansion and Both were eventually named Living National Treasures, Kei in 1970.
