Bizen Triangular Tokkuri (Sake Bottle)

This is an earlier work of a Bizen triangular sake bottle by Kosuke Kaneshige, leader of the Kaneshige school and son of the great restorer of Bizen ware and Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. Although created around 1990, the piece exhibits the same sharp, crisp styling that remains a hallmark of his work today. The deep green *kase-goma* (crusty ash glaze) resembling tree bark blends with the dark, rock-like gray of the *haikaburi* (ash-covered) kiln transformation, giving the bottle a presence as if it were carved from an ancient, moss-covered tree. The texture of the clay, achieved through relentless traditional hand-wedging without the use of machinery—a process akin to an act of prayer—can only be described as rich and mellow. (Please note that while there are almost no signs of use, this is an earlier work.) Signed wooden box (*tomobako* with *shihosan* lid)
Rim 3.2cm × Body diameter 8.9cm × Body diameter 8.6cm × Height 14.0cm; Capacity approx. 450cc 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 in sculpture at the same university in 1970. He began exhibiting ceramic works in 1975, and after serving as a lecturer in the School of Letters and Science at Tokai University, he returned to his hometown in 1977. In 1982, he built his own climbing kiln. He produces objects, tea ceremony wares, flower vases, tableware, and sake vessels. In 1991, he created the ceramic mural "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 various locations, including Tokyo and Osaka. In 2012, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.