Ibe Shuten

This is a Bizen sake cup by Michiaki Kaneshige, the eldest son of the Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, who captivated everyone with a style that infused unique sensibilities into tradition. This piece, dating from his middle period, was created using the finest Bizen clay, which he cultivated alongside his father, Toyo. The exceptionally fine texture of the clay inside the cup is truly remarkable; with years of use, it will develop a wonderful, low-luster matte patina. While the wide foot strongly reflects the influence of his father, the piece also reveals the earnestness characteristic of Michiaki, allowing one to perceive the contemplations and growth of an individual potter. Original signed box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.8cm × 6.6cm × Height 5.6cm 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 Kanazawa College of Art with a degree in crafts and began his career as a potter under the tutelage of his father, Toyo. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition for three consecutive years. He was also selected for the Nitten exhibition and toured various parts of the United States in 1960 to study ceramics. In 1969, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association and received the Toyo Kaneshige Award in 1970. He was appointed a committee member of the Issuikai Ceramic Arts Division in 1973, received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1980, and was officially designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture in 1990. He specialized in tea ceramics and also created works such as geometrically shaped bowls. His works were also exhibited at international exhibitions.