Ibe Shuten

This is an Ibe sake cup by Yuho Kaneshige, the third son of the master of tea ceramics, Sozan Kaneshige, and an artist of enduring popularity. It is a work infused with the answers Yuho Kaneshige found after overcoming various hesitations and struggles, as he wavered between the "Kaneshige" style and his own individuality. A common thread throughout the piece is that while it does not overemphasize its own personality, it is far from expressionless, finished instead with a subtle charm characteristic of Yuho-sensei. While the silhouette of the body is almost identical to the sake cups of his father, Sozan-sensei, it possesses a softer swell, and the rim is finished with refined elegance and reduced thickness. From the melon-skin-like, bluish-green *kase-goma* (stony sesame glaze), a melting *shiso*-purple hue peeks through, promising to gently cradle your spirits and begin a magnificent feast.

See Yuho Kaneshige's blog post Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 5.8cm x Height 4.5cm Yuho Kaneshige was born as the third son of the Intangible Cultural Property holder, Sozan Kaneshige. He began learning pottery techniques under his father in 1975. He became independent in 1980 and held his first solo exhibition in Okayama. He produces tableware, focusing primarily on tea ceramics such as tea bowls, water jars, and flower vases. He places particular emphasis on the interior form (mikomi) of his tea bowls, which he especially enjoys making, while pursuing balance in their exterior. He has received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Prefectural Exhibition, the Encouragement Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Forms, and the Tanko Biennale Encouragement Award. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 2003. He is also dedicated to solo exhibitions, which are held in various locations.