Ibe-ware flattened sake bottle

This is an Ibe sake bottle by Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of the master Toyo Kaneshige and captivated everyone with a style that incorporated his own unique sensibilities into tradition. This piece dates from Michiaki’s middle period, a work in which he evolved his own style of "Michiaki Bizen" while inheriting the clay and kiln from his father, Toyo Kaneshige. The flattened-pot shape—instantly recognizable as a design of the Kaneshige school—emphasizes roundedness, yet its overall sharpness gives it a refined dignity that does not pander to the viewer. The combination of soft, clinging "kase-goma" (dry sesame glaze) and moist orange clay creates a magnificent landscape. (*Please note in advance that there are minimal signs of use.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included. *The box has some damage.
Rim 3.3cm x Body diameter 11.2cm x Body diameter 9.5cm x Height 11.4cm Capacity approx. 350cc Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1995) was born in Inbe as the eldest son of the Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. In 1955, he graduated from the Craft Department of Kanazawa College of Art and became a ceramic artist under the tutelage of his father, Toyo. He was selected for the Asahi Modern Ceramics Exhibition three consecutive times 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 arts. In 1969, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association, and in 1970, he received the Toyo Kaneshige Award. In 1973, he was recommended as a committee member for the ceramics section of the Issuikai, and in 1980, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1990, he was officially designated as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property. He excelled at tea ceramics and also created works with geometric forms, such as bowls. His works were also exhibited in international exhibitions.