Hello everyone, how are you doing?
The other day, we received a rare piece by Toyo Kaneshige.
It arrived without a box, so we initially acquired it assuming it was a yusamashi (water cooler), but when we visited Kousuke Kaneshige to ask for a box inscription, he wrote, "Bizen Katakuchi (spouted bowl) by Toyo, also for sake," identifying it as a rare katakuchi that can also be used as a sake server.
With a capacity of about 1 go (180ml) and ears for easy handling, it is the perfect size for a sake server.
The caramel-brown clay, peppered with small stone bursts, has a truly remarkable softness.
This piece was also crafted using the Kannon clay that Toyo-sensei favored in his final years;
apparently, when clay from the Kannon deposit with a low iron content is used and fired under oxidizing conditions, it results in this unique, refreshingly pale aesthetic.
The button-like ears and the tubular, folded "teppo-guchi" (gun-barrel style) spout also make for a unique design,
and the thought that there might still be such rare treasures by Toyo-sensei out in the world makes me look forward to future discoveries even more.
It is said that he used to let the clay age for at least a few years before using it.
He left behind the words: "Do not chase after technical skill, but be honest with the clay on the potter's wheel."
He never did anything extraordinary, yet his work has an undeniable allure.
The vivid hidasuki (fire-cord) markings are a hallmark of this Kannon clay, creating a stunning appearance for a sake server.
It is always very educational to hear Kousuke-sensei's stories about Toyo-sensei when we have pieces appraised.
(Toyo Kaneshige / Bizen Katakuchi - Also for Sake)
Size: 12.0cm diameter including spout × 10.0cm diameter including ears × 5.8cm height
For detailed images and information about the piece, please contact us below.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Click to open email client)