Ibe Shuten

This is a Bizen sake cup by Michiaki Kaneshige, the eldest son of the renowned Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, who captivated everyone with a style that infused unique sensibilities into tradition. While it may appear understated at first glance, it is a profound sake cup that allows one to enjoy various types of "goma" (sesame ash glaze). The foot features "tobi-goma" (splashed sesame) with a remarkably matte texture that blooms like flowers, offering the aesthetic of antique Bizen. The rim is generously coated with goma, providing a gentle protection to the edge. The interior of the cup reveals a soft, azuki-bean-colored "nuke" (unfired spot), which, combined with the aforementioned antique-style tobi-goma, creates a truly deep landscape. The foot, carved with the sharp, crisp precision characteristic of Michiaki, is a pleasure to behold. (Please note that this item shows slight signs of use.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.4cm × Diameter 6.3cm × Height 4.3cm 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, Department of Crafts. He studied under his father, Toyo, to become a ceramic artist. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition for three consecutive years. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he toured various parts of the United States to observe ceramic arts. In 1969, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association and received the Toyo Kaneshige Award in 1970. In 1973, he was recommended as a committee member for the Issuikai Ceramic Arts Division; in 1980, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award; and in 1990, he was officially designated as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property. He excelled in tea ceremony ceramics and also worked on geometrically shaped bowls. His works were also exhibited in international exhibitions.