Bizen Horseback Sake Cup

This is a Bizen *bashohai* (on-horseback cup) by Kosuke Kaneshige, the leader of the Kaneshige family, whose father was the legendary reviver of Bizen ware and Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. This cup features a sophisticated *kase-yōhen* (matte kiln change) finish, showcasing both *haikaburi* (ash-covered) kiln changes and *kase-goma* (matte sesame-seed ash) glaze effects. Positioned between chambers within the kiln, the subtle temperature fluctuations have created a richly expressive, lively landscape on the surface. The piece also boasts the exquisite scarlet hue characteristic of the Kaneshige family, who have dedicated decades to the earnest study of clay. (Please note that the cup may be slightly unstable when placed on a flat surface due to the shape of the base.) Signed wooden box (*tomobako* with four-way interlocking joints)
Diameter 8.1cm × Diameter 7.9cm × Height 9.0cm Kosuke Kaneshige is the third son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. He graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a degree in sculpture in 1968 and completed his master's degree in the same field in 1970. He began exhibiting his ceramic work in 1975, and after serving as a lecturer at Tokai University, he returned to his hometown in 1977. He built his own climbing kiln in 1982. He creates a wide range of works, including sculptures, tea utensils, vases, tableware, and sake vessels. In 1991, he created the ceramic wall mural "Light and Wind" for the Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance building in Okayama. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1994 and exhibited his work at the Bizen Ware Exhibition in Paris in 1997. He has held solo exhibitions in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. In 2012, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.