Ibe Shuten

This is a new Ibe sake cup by Anjin Abe, an artist who possesses profound insight and aesthetic sensibility regarding antique pottery, and who creates one-of-a-kind works through his original research and firing techniques. It has been some time since he last produced an Ibe-style sake cup. The unique Ibe surface, reminiscent of a concentrated reddish-purple hue like ripe grapes or vintage wine, coexists with a seasoned, understated flavor and a delicate allure. The *goma* (ash glaze) placed on the front of this piece has a suppressed yellow tone with an added touch of white, which pairs exceptionally well with the aforementioned vintage purple surface, creating a magnificent balance that avoids feeling too heavy despite the substantial nature of the *goma*. With a plum blossom pattern in the interior and a cypress fence (*higaki*) pattern on the outer rim, the piece possesses an independent worldview, much like a tea bowl.

View Anjin Abe's blog post Includes signed wooden box (shiho-san, double-layered box)
Diameter 7.0cm × 6.5cm × Height 4.8cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. He collected pottery as a hobby, but finding contemporary Bizen ware unsatisfactory, he began pottery in 1972 to create works that met his own standards. He frequently creates water jars, flower vases, flattened jars, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups. All are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. He centers his pottery practice on Momoyama-period antique Bizen, with a particular focus on his firing techniques. He is also engaged in diverse creative activities, exhibiting works that combine various materials and techniques, such as ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze (mixed media). He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and internationally, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.