Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Anjin Abe, an artist who creates one-of-a-kind works through his unique research and firing techniques, underpinned by a profound insight into and aesthetic sensibility for antique pottery. It is a superb piece featuring the deeply expressive texture of the Bizen style, which he has returned to crafting after some time. The slightly scarlet-tinged earth tone complements the rich mustard color of the sesame glaze beautifully. The somewhat coarse clay has been fired until the surface attained a luscious, melted quality, resulting in a masterpiece that truly captures the essence of Abe’s Bizen work, which is often mistaken for antique Bizen. Original wooden storage box (shiho-zan, double-boxed) Anjin Abe was formerly a Western-style painter. While he collected pottery as a hobby, he felt that contemporary Bizen lacked something, and in 1972, he began working in ceramics to create pieces that satisfied his own standards. He frequently crafts water jars, flower vases, flattened jars, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups, all of which are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. His pottery is rooted in the Bizen ware of the Momoyama period, with a particular focus on his firing techniques. He is also actively engaged in diverse forms of expression, presenting works that combine various materials and techniques, including ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze (mixed media). He holds exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.