Bizen sake cup

This Bizen sake cup is the work of traditional craftsman Masami Nishikawa, who honed his skills under the tutelage of Tōyō Kaneshige and captivated fans with his unique creations. A profound "shiso" (perilla) hue unfolds within the dark, scorched-looking clay body. The interior features a soft, refined clay texture that contrasts with the kiln-altered exterior. The foot is wide, a feature inherited from Tōyō Kaneshige, with vertical carving on the outer edge and a gentle, angled taper on the inside. Signed and inscribed wooden box by Masahiko (with two-way struts)
Diameter 6.3cm × Diameter 6.3cm × Height 5.4cm Masami Nishikawa was the eldest son of Seisui Nishikawa, who served as director of the Bizen Pottery Center and dedicated many years to mentoring the next generation. Having received his father’s guidance and training from an early age, he became a live-in apprentice to Tōyō Kaneshige at the age of 18, enduring ten years of rigorous training. In 1965, following his father's passing, he took over the Chikuko kiln and began his independent career, holding solo exhibitions and pottery showcases in cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okayama. He was certified as a traditional craftsman in 2001 and passed away in April 2004.