Bizen sake cup

This Ibe sake cup was created by Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of the master Toyo Kaneshige and captivated audiences with a style that infused original sensibility into tradition. This piece, from slightly before his later years, is characterized by its generous and dynamic form, shaped by throwing the potter's wheel at a very slow speed. The form is tightened with the fingers just below the rim, creating a tempo in its movement. The well-fired *goma* (sesame) glaze matches perfectly with the understated form, which incorporates many techniques without showing them off. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 7.0cm x 7.0cm x Height 6.2cm Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1977) was born in Ibe as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. In 1955, he graduated from the Craft Department of Kanazawa College of Art. He became a ceramic artist after studying under his father, Toyo. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Contemporary Ceramics 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 arts. In 1969, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association and received the Toyo Kaneshige Award in 1970. He was appointed as a member of the Issuikai Ceramics Division in 1973, received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1980, and was officially designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture in 1990. He specialized in tea ceramics and also created bowls with geometric forms. His works were also exhibited at overseas exhibitions.