Bizen Ware Sake Cup with Colorful Glaze and Dragon Handles

This is a colored Bizen sake cup by Anjin Abe, an artist who creates one-of-a-kind works through unique research and firing techniques, driven by his deep insight into and aesthetic appreciation for ancient pottery. The masterful composition, which allows one to enjoy the duality of the colored surface and the *goma* (ash glaze) surface, is truly impressive. The interior, which has taken on a luscious, chocolate-colored clay texture, is clear evidence of the clay reacting to Anjin-sensei’s style of firing to the extreme. Beyond the clay texture and the coloring, this piece offers many more highlights to appreciate. Signed wooden box to follow (Currently in production; please allow some time for shipment.)
Diameter 11.8cm × Diameter 8.3cm × Height 3.3cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. He began collecting pottery as a hobby, but feeling dissatisfied with contemporary Bizen ware, he started his own ceramic practice in 1972 to create pieces that met his own standards. He frequently creates water jars, flower vases, flattened jars, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups, all of which are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. He bases his pottery on ancient Bizen ware from the Momoyama period and is deeply committed to his firing techniques. He also engages in diverse artistic activities, presenting works (mixed media) that combine various materials and techniques such as ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze. He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.