Bizen Hohin

This is a Bizen ware houhin (teapot) by Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure and the great restorer of Bizen ware. It bears the "Toyo-zo" pottery mark used until the early Showa period, suggesting it dates from that time. It produces the high-pitched sound characteristic of houhin from this era when the lid and body rub together—a sound that, even if unintended, is delightful and reminiscent of a soothing bell. True to the high-temperature firing it underwent, the area between the natural sangiri (reduction firing) and haikaburi (ash glaze) displays a rich, deep scarlet hue strongly influenced by the reduction process. Beyond the flawless, distortion-free form of the lid and body, the beautiful curves of the spout rim reveal the high aesthetic sensibilities of Toyo Kaneshige, even in a piece crafted primarily for practical use. Boxed and signed by Kosuke (shihozan style)
Diameter 9.5cm × Diameter 8.5cm × Height 6.0cm Toyo Kaneshige (1896–1967, born in Inbe, Bizen City) was the eldest son of Baiyo Kaneshige, who belonged to a branch of the Kaneshige family, one of the six traditional Bizen pottery clans. He studied under his father and rose to fame for his hand-crafted houhin. From the Taisho to the early Showa period, he conducted extensive research and succeeded in recreating the clay quality of Momoyama-style Bizen ware. Around that time, he began using the potter's wheel and threw himself into creating tea ceramics. He formed deep friendships with Handeishi Kawakita, Toyozo Arakawa, and Kyusetsu Miwa, and after the war, he expanded his artistic range under the influence of Rosanjin Kitaoji, Isamu Noguchi, and others. For these achievements, he is known as the restorer of Bizen ware. He was the first Bizen potter to be designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property, and in 1964 and 1966, he was invited as a guest lecturer for the summer session at the University of Hawaii. In 1967, he performed a demonstration of his craft before Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun during their visit to Bizen.
Major awards: Chugoku Culture Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class, Gold Rays with Rosette.