Bizen ware flower vase

This is a slightly earlier Bizen flower vase by Go Kaneshige, who built a kiln in Kutsui and continues his research and pottery making there. Fired using an anagama kiln from the Ibe period, this piece showcases the exceptionally high-quality *kase* (matte) kiln transformation characteristic of the Kaneshige school. The upper body features *kase* sesame glaze with scarlet hues, while the lower body displays a kiln transformation with carbonized black-silver tones, creating an outstanding aesthetic. On the front, ash fell from the back in droplets, fused together, and formed a rare black-silver "bead drape" (*tamadare*). The natural, unpretentious cylindrical form highlights the kiln transformation and the texture of the clay, while those features in turn enhance the flowers arranged within. (Please note that there are several areas of peeling due to kiln adhesion.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 12.4cm × Diameter 12.2cm × Height 22.7cm Go Kaneshige was born as the second son of Intangible Cultural Property holder Michiaki Kaneshige and is the grandson of the great Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. Go Kaneshige graduated from the Ashiya College of Fine Arts in 1988. After working at the Atelier Hikousen Ceramics Institute in 1992, he returned to Bizen. He exhibited at the Bizen Young Artists Exhibition in September 1996 and has been active in shows such as the Kaneshige Family Exhibition since May 1999.