Ibe Shuten

This is an Ibe sake cup by Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of Toyo Kaneshige and captivated everyone with a style that incorporated a unique sensibility into tradition. The piece is clearly divided into two colors on the inside and outside, presumably from being fired with its mouth covered by a sake bottle or similar vessel. The exterior is dominated by fine *kase-goma* (matte sesame glaze), reminiscent of moss-covered stones rolling in a mountain stream. The interior features a scarlet hue across the entire surface, reflecting a "medium-rare" firing at a lower temperature range where *kase-goma* easily develops. While the movement is kept to a minimum, the undulating design of the rim and the subtle wheel marks on the body are given a quiet yet definite purpose. Signed wooden box (Nifusazan)
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.7cm x Height 5.2cm Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1977) was born in Inbe as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. In 1955, he graduated from the Craft Department of Kanazawa College of Art and became a ceramic artist under the tutelage of his father. He was selected for the Asahi Modern Ceramics Exhibition three consecutive times starting in 1957. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he toured the United States to observe ceramics. 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 a member of the Issuikai Ceramics Division; he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1980 and was officially designated as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1990. He specialized in tea ceramics and also created works such as geometrically shaped bowls. His work was also exhibited at exhibitions overseas.