Ibe Shuten

This Ibe sake cup is by Anjin Abe, an artist with profound insight into and an aesthetic sense for antique pottery, who creates one-of-a-kind works through his unique research and firing techniques. Having thoroughly studied the firing processes of ancient Bizen, he has achieved a texture so rich and evocative that it could be mistaken for unearthed antique Bizen ware, the result of multiple firings. Rather than a simple brown *goma* (ash glaze), he aimed for the yellow *goma* characteristic of old Bizen; the piece features dense clusters of fine golden powder that bloom into rich, golden blossoms. While it is Ibe-te style, the surface is of the highest quality, containing a diverse array of colors—blending blacks, dark browns, and ochres—that form a surface that changes infinitely depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Signed wooden box to follow at a later date (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 6.9cm × Diameter 6.3cm × Height 6.3cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. While he collected ceramics as a hobby, he eventually felt a sense of dissatisfaction with contemporary Bizen ware and began his pottery career in 1972 to create works that truly satisfied him. He frequently creates water jars (*mizusashi*), flower vases, flat-sided vases (*henko*), bowls, sake bottles (*tokkuri*), and sake cups (*shunomi*). All of his pieces are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. His work is based on the antique Bizen ware of the Momoyama period, with a particular focus on the firing process. He is also involved in diverse modes of expression, presenting works that combine various materials and techniques, such as ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze (mixed media). He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.