Ibe Shuten

This newly fired Ibe sake cup is the work of Yuho Kaneshige, a potter who, while belonging to the Kaneshige lineage, consistently questions himself and creates works as an individual potter named Yuho, rather than simply as "Kaneshige Yuho." This piece is a *haikaburi yohen* (ash-covered kiln-altered) work that he created with great anticipation after much reflection on the traditional techniques practiced within the Kaneshige family. True to his almost reverent dedication to clay, the quality of the clay itself is self-evident, and it has been fired to the limit to bring out its best qualities, resulting in a piece where the moist character of the earth coexists with a rich, ink-like kiln-altered glaze. While a harsh firing often tends to compromise the texture, this piece features a soft tactile quality that satisfies the "sense of touch" that Yuho-sensei holds so dear. It is a work packed with the joys of pottery: first, you can enjoy the magnificent firing; then, enjoy the changing colors when filled with sake; and finally, you can enjoy interacting with it as a vessel, watching it grow and evolve over time. Signed wooden box (shiho-zan) with lid
Diameter 6.5cm x 6.2cm x Height 5.2cm Yuho Kaneshige was born as the third son of the Intangible Cultural Property holder Sozan Kaneshige. He began studying pottery techniques under his father, Sozan, in 1975. He became independent in 1980 and held his first solo exhibition in Okayama. He produces tea ceramics such as tea bowls, water containers, and flower vases, as well as tableware. In his tea bowls, which he is particularly fond of, he places great importance on the inner structure (*mikomi*) while pursuing balance in the exterior. He has received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Prefectural Exhibition, the Encouragement Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, and the Tanko Biennale Encouragement Award. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 2003. He is also actively involved in holding solo exhibitions in various locations.