Inbe Mimitsuki Hanaire

This is an Ibe-ware vase with lug handles by Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of the master Toyo Kaneshige and captivated audiences with a style that infused a unique sensibility into tradition. This piece, exhibited in a solo exhibition, offers a glimpse into Michiaki’s personal tastes; its beauty lies in the authentic character of the clay, brought out through a gentle firing process. While understated, the peerless quality of the clay is truly magnificent. The bright brown hue is entirely devoid of any sense of cheapness, rigidity, or earthiness, resonating with the soul as a refined color that retains a sense of rustic simplicity. Combined with a form backed by an exceptional sense of restraint—never overworking the clay—this piece is elevated to a true model of what a lug-handled vase should be. (Exhibited at the "Michiaki Kaneshige New Works Exhibition" at Tenmaya department store in 1978.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter including handles 14.6cm x body diameter 12.1cm x height 24.0cm Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1995) was born in Inbe as the eldest son of the Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. He graduated from the Kanazawa College of Art, Department of Crafts, in 1955. He became a ceramic artist under the tutelage of his father, Toyo. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition for three consecutive years. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he traveled across the United States to study pottery. In 1969, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association and was awarded the Toyo Kaneshige Prize in 1970. In 1973, he was appointed as a member of the Issuikai Ceramic Division; in 1980, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award; and in 1990, he was officially designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. He excelled in tea ceremony ceramics and also worked on bowls with geometric designs. His works were also exhibited in international exhibitions.