Bizen horse-riding cup

This is a Bizen horse-riding sake cup (bajohai) by Junpei Kaneshige, the eldest son of Kosuke Kaneshige, the leading figure of the Kaneshige family. While the bajohai is a classic form among the sake vessels of the Kaneshige lineage, this piece combines meticulous, unpretentious craftsmanship with a gentle, fired finish, perfectly complemented by the subtle allure inherent in the bajohai motif itself to create an indescribably wonderful world. The traces of the spatula used to carve the pedestal and neck echo with elegance, and the heavy, dull-glowing shiso-red color permeates the soul. With its unique form and tasteful clay texture, this piece would be well-suited not only for sake but also for Western spirits like white wine. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
5.5cm diameter x 5.4cm diameter x 7.7cm height Junpei Kaneshige was born in Komaba, Tokyo, in 1972 as the eldest son of Kosuke Kaneshige. He graduated from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Waseda University in 1994. In 2000, he completed a graduate program in sculpture at Long Island University in New York, USA, and upon returning to Japan, he studied under his father, Kosuke Kaneshige.