Ibe Yunomi

This is an Ibe yunomi (tea cup) by the renowned "uncrowned king," Sozan Kaneshige. The base features a ceramic seal along with the character "Hatsu" (first), indicating this piece was from his first kiln firing. It is well-fired with a slightly yuzu-skin texture, and the faintly shimmering reddish-purple clay body is truly characteristic of Sozan Kaneshige. While the body rises slowly with prominent wheel marks, the foot is carved sharply and deeply, a testament to his masterful and versatile pottery technique. With an identification box signed by Yuho (Shiho-zan style)
Diameter 7.1cm × Diameter 7.0cm × Height 9.5cm Sozan Kaneshige (1909–1995) was the younger brother of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, and the two worked together until around 1951. He was known as a leading figure in tea ceramics, specializing in Momoyama-style hi-dasuki (fire-cord) patterns. In 1964, he established the Maruyama Kiln in the eastern suburbs of Okayama City, and in 1966, his unveiling of Momoyama-style hi-dasuki created using an electric kiln drew significant attention. In 1982, he moved to Ibe and built the Ushigami-shita 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 Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class. He passed away in 1995.