Ibe Shuten

This is an Ibe sake cup by Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of the master Toyo Kaneshige and captivated everyone with a style that infused unique sensibilities into tradition. Among the few existing sake cups by Michiaki-sensei, this is a particularly rare *hidasuki* (fire-cord) piece. The clay, which has a slightly blackish hue due to strong reduction firing, features a deep and striking orange color that is etched into the eyes. This beautiful contrast between black and orange is truly a testament to the quality of the clay. Its gentle form feels comfortable in the hand, making it a joy to use. Original signed wooden box (shiho-zan)
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.5cm x Height 5.1cm Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1977) was born in Ibe as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. He graduated from the Kanazawa College of Art in 1955, majoring in crafts, and became a ceramic artist under the tutelage of his father, Toyo-sensei. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Modern Ceramic Art Exhibition for three consecutive years. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he toured various parts of the United States to observe ceramic art. In 1969, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association and received the Toyo Kaneshige Award in 1970. In 1973, he was appointed as a member of the Issuikai Ceramic Department, received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1980, and was officially designated as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1990. He excelled in tea ceramics and also created works with geometric forms, such as bowls. His work was also exhibited in international exhibitions.