Bizen Sake Cup

This is a newly kiln-fired sake cup by Kosuke Kaneshige, the leader of the Kaneshige family and son of the legendary Living National Treasure and restorer of Bizen ware, Toyo Kaneshige. This piece has a remarkably "sweet" finish, boasting a scarlet hue that makes the cup itself look as if it has become intoxicated. Both the front and the interior exhibit a vivid sunset-red clay texture; as you use it, the sake will soak into the pristine clay surface, polishing it further over time. Through the mastery of the craftsman and the nature of the clay, this piece conveys the true essence of Bizen ware—the joy of use—whether you are using it now, after use, or years down the line.

View blog post related to this sake cup Includes signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.8cm x Diameter 6.9cm x Height 5.5cm Kosuke Kaneshige is the third son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. He graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a degree in sculpture in 1968 and completed his graduate studies there in 1970. He began exhibiting ceramic works in 1975, and after serving as a lecturer at Tokai University, he returned home in 1977. He built his climbing kiln in 1982. He produces objects, tea utensils, flower vases, tableware, and sake vessels. In 1991, he created the ceramic wall "Light and Wind" for the Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance building in Okayama. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1994. In 1997, his work was exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition. He holds solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, and elsewhere. In 2012, he was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property.