Ibe Shuten

This Ibe sake cup is the work of Mashiro Aiga, an artist known for creating uncompromising works that are as straight as an arrow. Using carefully selected mountain clay from the vicinity of his studio near Sanpei Pond, the piece features a rich, viscous texture reminiscent of melted chocolate. The deep, three-dimensional yellow sesame glaze, suggestive of thick mustard, contrasts beautifully with the clay body, which possesses an earthen quality like boiled-down purple. By skillfully limiting the application of the clay wash to the foot, the artist has successfully preserved the tactile quality of the carving, allowing one to closely observe both the masterful crescent-shaped foot and the evocative, crepe-like wrinkles derived from the mountain clay. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included.
Diameter 7.3cm x 7.2cm x Height 5.2cm Mashiro Aiga graduated from the Okayama Prefectural Bizen Ceramic Center in 1997. In 2003, he built a fully underground anagama kiln in Samukaze, and the following year in 2004, he constructed a second, semi-underground anagama kiln, where he continues to devote himself to his craft.