Bizen Sake Cup

This is a new Bizen sake cup by Junpei Kaneshige, the eldest son of Kosuke Kaneshige, the leading figure of the Kaneshige school. This latest work was fired in his father’s kiln between late October and November 2016, and as with the previous firing, the overall coloration is exceptionally deep. The piece features a landscape that harmonizes *hidaski* (fire-cord) and *goma* (sesame ash glaze)—a combination he has long described as "difficult" to achieve. The thickly fired *goma* glaze covers almost the entire circumference with impressive intensity; its rich color delights the eye, while its smooth texture provides a pleasurable sensation to the skin and lips. A subtle crimson *hidaski* pattern appears within the interior, offering a magnificent aesthetic for sake. Its size is classic for a sake cup, making it the kind of understated piece that one naturally finds oneself reaching for every evening. Signed box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 7.1cm × Diameter 6.9cm × Height 5.5cm Junpei Kaneshige was born in Komaba, Tokyo, in 1972 as the eldest son of Kosuke Kaneshige. He graduated from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Waseda University in 1994. In 2000, he completed his graduate studies in sculpture at Long Island University in New York, USA, and returned to Japan to apprentice under his father, Kosuke Kaneshige.