Colored Bizen Sake Cup

This is a colored Bizen sake cup by Anjin Abe, an artist who possesses profound insight and aesthetic sensibility regarding antique pottery, and who creates one-of-a-kind works through his original research and firing techniques. The work features a boldly arranged iris flower, depicted on the Bizen clay surface through the use of color. A single touch of pale cobalt blue in the center resembles morning dew dripping from a petal; though it is the only instance of color, it masterfully commands the entire piece. When viewed from the opposite side, all color disappears from sight, allowing one to enjoy the rich Bizen firing of a genius who has exhaustively studied antique Bizen pottery. Signed wooden box (shiho-san, double box included)
Diameter 6.3cm × Diameter 6.0cm × Height 6.3cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. While he collected ceramics as a hobby, he felt unsatisfied with contemporary Bizen ware and began working in ceramics in 1972 to create pieces that met his own standards. He frequently creates water jars, flower vases, flattened vases, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups. All are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. He bases his pottery on the antique Bizen of the Momoyama period and is deeply particular about his firing process. He also engages in diverse expressive activities, presenting works (mixed media) that combine various materials and techniques such as ceramics, lacquer, oil paint, and bronze. He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.