Ibe Guinomi

This is an Ibe sake cup by Sozan Kaneshige, renowned as the "uncrowned king." Created when he was in his late 50s to early 60s, it features a smaller, more delicate form that differs from the typical image of Sozan's work. The *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings and the texture of the clay, fired in a climbing kiln, are incredibly mellow, and the evocative quality of the clay itself stirs a sense of *wabi* just by looking at it. When Makoto Kaneshige examined the piece, he suggested it was likely created during the first firing of the Maruyama kiln, or possibly earlier, fired in the kiln of Toyo Kaneshige. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 5.7cm × Diameter 5.7cm × Height 5.0cm Sozan Kaneshige (1909–1995) was the younger brother of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, and worked alongside him until around 1951. He was a leading figure in tea ceramics, known for his Momoyama-style *hidasuki*. In 1964, he built the Maruyama kiln in the eastern suburbs of Okayama City, and in 1966, he caused a sensation by introducing Momoyama-style *hidasuki* fired in an electric kiln. He moved to Ibe in 1982 to build the Ushigamishita kiln and was designated a holder of an important intangible cultural property by Okayama Prefecture in 1983. He received the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. He passed away in 1995.