Bizen Sake Cup

This is a new Bizen sake cup by Anjin Abe, an artist who possesses profound insight into and a refined aesthetic sense for antique ceramics, creating one-of-a-kind works through his original research and firing techniques. It has been some time since he last produced a Bizen-style sake cup. The natural black seeping from the clay, the rich shiso-red, and the deep chocolate color are masterfully integrated, forming an "Abe World" that rivals antique Bizen. Upon closer inspection, the thick, dripping sesame glaze is revealed to be an accumulation of fine, scattered sesame particles; this combination of heavy drips and fine flecks creates a dynamic, textured landscape that avoids a flat appearance. The unique form, built upon a foundation of antique ceramics, carries a dignified presence that is both practical and compelling. Signed wooden box (Shiho-san, double box)
Diameter 6.4cm × Diameter 6.0cm × Height 5.8cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. He began collecting ceramics as a hobby, but finding contemporary Bizen ware insufficient, he started pottery in 1972 to create pieces that satisfied him. He frequently produces water jars, flower vases, flattened jars, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups, all of which are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. He bases his ceramic production on Momoyama-period antique Bizen and is highly particular about his firing process. Additionally, he engages in diverse expressive activities, presenting mixed-media works that combine various materials and techniques, such as ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze. He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.