Ibe Tokkuri

This is a freshly fired new Ibe sake bottle by Yuho Kaneshige, an artist who, while belonging to the Kaneshige lineage, constantly questions himself and creates works as an individual potter named Yuho rather than as "Kaneshige Yuho." Having pondered various thoughts and ideas regarding working with traditional ash-covered kiln changes (haikaburi yohen) within the Kaneshige school, this is a work that Mr. Yuho has crafted with full confidence. As one would expect from an artist who treats clay with an almost religious reverence, the quality of the clay itself goes without saying, and the base scarlet hue displays an exquisite, melt-in-the-mouth quality. While it is a piece with an unsurpassed, superlative firing, it also possesses a soft texture that thoroughly satisfies the "sense of touch" that Mr. Yuho holds so dear. He has brilliantly created the pinnacle of the allure of Bizen ware—a craft meant to be used by touching with the hands and feeling against the lips—as a contrast to Western art, which is appreciated primarily by utilizing the eyes and the intellect. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Rim 3.3cm x Body 10.1cm x 9.9cm x Height 13.2cm Capacity 380cc Yuho Kaneshige was born the third son of Intangible Cultural Property holder Sozan Kaneshige. He studied pottery under his father, Sozan, starting in 1975. He became independent in 1980 and held his first solo exhibition in Okayama. He creates tableware, focusing primarily on tea ceramics such as tea bowls, water jars, and flower vases. With tea bowls in particular, he emphasizes the interior form (mikomi) while pursuing balance on the exterior. He has received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Prefectural Exhibition, the Encouragement Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, and the Encouragement Award at the Tanko Biennale. In 2003, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. He is also dedicated to his solo exhibitions, which are held at various locations.