Ibe Hyōhei

This Ibe-ware gourd-shaped bottle (hyotan-tokkuri) is the work of Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of the master Toyo Kaneshige and captivated everyone with a style that infused his own unique sensibility into tradition. This is a rare piece in which Michiaki-sensei has arranged a gourd-shaped bottle—a form often seen in white porcelain—in the Ibe style. It has a charming design with a handle, allowing it to be enjoyed not only as a sake flask but also as a vase for a single flower. The profound shiso-red color with its slightly matte yellow sesame glaze is quintessentially Michiaki-style firing, overflowing with the rustic charm characteristic of Bizen ware. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Mouth rim 3.3cm × Body diameter 8.3cm × 8.1cm × Height 12.7cm, Capacity approx. 180cc Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1995) was born in Inbe as the eldest son of the Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. In 1955, he graduated from the Craft Department of Kanazawa College of Art. He became a ceramic artist after apprenticing under his father, Toyo-sensei. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition three times in a row. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he toured various parts of the United States to observe ceramic art. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1969 and received the Toyo Kaneshige Award in 1970. In 1973, he was recommended as a committee member for the Issuikai Ceramic Art Division; in 1980, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award; and in 1990, he was officially designated as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property. He excelled at tea ceremony ceramics and also worked on pieces with geometric forms, such as bowls. He also exhibited his work in exhibitions overseas.