Ibe Shuten

This is a newly kiln-fired sake cup (guinomi) by Yuho Kaneshige, an artist who, despite being part of the Kaneshige lineage, constantly questions himself and creates works as an individual potter named Yuho, rather than just as "Kaneshige Yuho." This piece is from a series he has been working on for the past three or four years, characterized by a near-plain aesthetic, meticulously fired in an ascending kiln with high-quality clay encased in saggars. Furthermore, during the firing process, the cup was half-buried in sand, creating a two-tone color variation in the clay. This work represents the simple yet ultimate luxury of enjoying the raw, exposed clay, fully satisfying the "tactile sense"—a unique quality of Bizen ware—when touched by the lips or hands. At the same time, it possesses the evolving charm expected of ceramics; it is a masterpiece packed with the inherent appeal of pottery, reflecting the sensibilities of Yuho-sensei, who is deeply enamored with the craft. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.1cm × 6.0cm × Height 4.5cm Yuho Kaneshige was born as the third son of the Intangible Cultural Property holder Sozan Kaneshige. He began studying pottery under his father in 1975. In 1980, he became independent and held his first solo exhibition in Okayama. He creates tableware, focusing on tea ceramics such as tea bowls, water jars, and flower vases. He places particular importance on the interior form (mikomi) of his tea bowls, while also pursuing balance in their exterior design. 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, and in 2018, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award. He is also dedicated to solo exhibitions, which are held in various locations. In 2019, he was designated as a holder of Okayama Prefecture’s Important Intangible Cultural Property.