Ibe Tokkuri

This is an Ibe triangular sake bottle by Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of Toyo Kaneshige and captivated everyone with a style that incorporated his own unique sensibilities into tradition. The ratio of the neck to the body is slightly large, reflecting a balance characteristic of Michiaki. The facets allow for appreciation of the texture and landscape of the clay, and the surface, which graduates from orange to a shiso-leaf purple color, is a magnificent hue that can only be described as masterful. While the piece features prominent kasé-goma (dry, sandy ash glaze), it has a very gentle texture thanks to the meticulous finishing typical of the Kaneshige family. Signed wooden box (shiho-zan)
Rim 4.1cm × Body 8.1cm × 8.1cm × Height 12.9cm, Capacity approx. 290cc Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1995) was born in Ibe as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. In 1955, he graduated from the Kanazawa College of Art’s Department of Crafts. He became a ceramic artist after studying under his father, Toyo. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Modern Ceramic Art Exhibition for three consecutive years. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he toured various parts of the United States to observe ceramic arts. In 1969, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association and, in 1970, received the Toyo Kaneshige Award. In 1973, he was recommended as a member of the Issuikai Ceramic Art Division, received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1980, and in 1990, was officially designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. He excelled in tea ceramics and also created works with geometric forms, such as bowls. His work was also exhibited in overseas exhibitions.