Bizen tokkuri

This is a Bizen sake flask by Kosuke Kaneshige, the leader of the Kaneshige family and son of the great restorer of Bizen ware, Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. This piece was exhibited at the "Tradition and Innovation: Bizen Kosuke Kaneshige Exhibition" held at Sanyo Department Store from September 7th to 13th, 2011. It is a work that beautifully embodies the artist's pride-like commitment to painstakingly preparing the clay and then letting it age for several years before use. The beautiful *kumadori* (shading) accompanied by wine-red lines and the orange *nuke* (clear spots) are surely the fruits of such dedicated effort. The calm texture of the *haikaburi* (ash-covered) surface, achieved by burying the piece in embers, is also magnificent, forming a perfect contrast with the vivid quality of the clay. Despite being carefully wheel-thrown, the result is sharp; one can see a sensibility that maintains a clear vision of the finished piece while moving the wheel with swift, unwavering confidence. This piece was featured in the exhibition pamphlet, and a copy of the pamphlet will be included with the purchase. Signed wooden box (shiho-zan) with lid
Rim 3.3cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Diameter 8.7cm x Height 13.5cm; Capacity approx. 400cc Kosuke Kaneshige is the third son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. He graduated from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo University of the Arts in 1968 and completed his master's degree in sculpture there in 1970. He began presenting ceramic works in 1975, and after serving as a lecturer at Tokai University's School of Letters, he returned home in 1977. He built his own climbing kiln in 1982. He produces objects, tea utensils, flower vases, tableware, and sake vessels. In 1991, he created the ceramic wall piece "Light and Wind" for the Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance building in Okayama. In 1994, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. He exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition in 1997 and has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, and other locations. In 2012, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.