Black-glazed tea caddy with leaf motif

This is a black-painted leaf-pattern tea vessel by Kaneshige Sozan, who supported his older brother, the master Kaneshige Toyo, from the shadows while also bringing new light to Bizen tea ceramics. The dense white glaze, which could be described as a turbulent white stream, is finished with a profound texture, intermingled with crackles and black spots. The wax-resist black-painted leaf pattern exhibits a simple yet deeply tasteful touch characteristic of a master, and the contrast between white and black is further accentuated by the depth of the glaze. The interior features both glazed sections and areas where the clay is exposed, allowing one to enjoy the soft, pale yellowish-white tone that matches the ivory lid. Includes signed storage box with ivory lid (shiho-san style).
Diameter 6.9cm x Diameter 6.9cm x Height 8.3cm (including lid) Kaneshige Sozan (1909–1995) was the younger brother of Living National Treasure Kaneshige Toyo, with whom he worked on ceramics until around 1951. He was known as a leading figure in tea ceramics, specializing in Momoyama-style hidaski (fire-cord) patterns. In 1964, he built the Maruyama Kiln on the eastern outskirts of Okayama City, and in 1966, he caused a sensation by announcing his Momoyama-style hidaski created using an electric kiln. In 1982, he moved to Imbe to build the Ushigamishita Kiln, and in 1983, he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. He received the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class. He passed away in 1995.