Bizen Sake Cup

This is an Ibe sake cup from the relatively early years of Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of Master Toyo Kaneshige and captivated everyone with a style that infused tradition with his own unique sensibility. Unlike the relaxed, wide forms that are characteristic of Michiaki’s sake cups, this piece features a slender, cylindrical silhouette. Upon appraisal by Takeshi Kaneshige, it was determined to have been created when the artist was around 30 years old. It displays a superb kiln change that has not faded over the decades, and the deep scarlet color within the grey ash glaze will surely create a magnificent appearance when used. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 5.7cm × Diameter 5.4cm × Height 5.6cm Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1995) was born in Inbe as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. He graduated from the Department of Crafts at Kanazawa College of Art in 1955 and became a ceramic artist under the tutelage of his father, Toyo. He was selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition for three consecutive years starting in 1957. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he toured various parts of the United States to observe ceramic art. In 1969, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association and received the Toyo Kaneshige Award in 1970. He was recommended as a committee member for the Issuikai Ceramic Art Division in 1973, received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1980, and was officially designated as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1990. He specialized in tea ceramics and also created bowls with geometric forms. His work was also exhibited in overseas exhibitions.