Ibe Shuten

This is an Ibe sake cup by Anjin Abe, a master who possesses profound insight into and a refined aesthetic sense for antique ceramics, creating one-of-a-kind works through his unique research and firing techniques. It is a brilliant piece featuring the austere surface of Ibe-te, a style he has revisited after some time. The chocolate-colored surface, with its variations into black, allows one to fully enjoy the exquisite charm of the Anjin-style Ibe-te, achieved by firing the clay to its full potential. The subtle wheel marks in the interior and the crackle pattern in the flowing natural ash glaze create a sophisticated, weathered landscape that is characteristic of Master Abe, who knows everything there is to know about antique Bizen ware. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 6.9cm x 6.1cm x Height 6.4cm Master Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. While collecting ceramics as a hobby, he felt that contemporary Bizen ware was lacking, so he began pottery in 1972 to create pieces that satisfied his own standards. He frequently creates water jars, flower vases, flattened jars, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups. All are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. He bases his pottery on Momoyama-period antique Bizen and is highly particular about his firing process. He is also engaged in diverse creative activities, presenting works (mixed media) that combine various materials and techniques such as ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze. He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and overseas, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.