Ibe Shuten

This is an Ibe sake cup by Anjin Abe, an artist with deep insight into and an aesthetic sense for antique pottery, who creates one-of-a-kind works through his original research and firing techniques. It is a masterpiece with a refined Ibe-style texture, the first of its kind he has produced in quite some time. The unique surface, which gives off a dull luster and appears to be a blend of purple and reddish-brown, is perfectly complemented by the carved plum blossom motif. Looking at the ever-changing quality of the clay, one cannot help but imagine that this must be the type of antique Bizen texture that captivated Anjin-sensei during his days as a painter. Furthermore, the sense of style in the plum blossom carving evokes a painterly compositional skill, making the piece feel like the crystallization of a miraculous encounter between a painter and antique Bizen. Signed wooden box to follow at a later date (please allow some time for shipment).
Diameter 6.8cm × 5.9cm × Height 6.1cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. While collecting pottery as a hobby, he felt a lack of satisfaction with contemporary Bizen ware and began his career in ceramics in 1972 to create pieces that met his own standards. He frequently creates water jars, flower vases, flattened jars, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups, all of which are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. His work is grounded in the antique Bizen of the Momoyama period, with a meticulous focus on firing techniques. He is also engaged in diverse creative activities, exhibiting "mixed media" works that combine various materials and techniques, such as ceramics, lacquer, oil paint, and bronze. He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.