Inbe Guinomi

This is an Ibe sake cup 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 "Yuho Kaneshige." In order to pursue his dream of creating works solely as the potter "Yuho," he closed the Ushigami-shita kiln—built by his father, Sozan—following the winter 2018 firing. As a result, this *yohen* (kiln-transmuted) sake cup became one of the final pieces to emerge from the Ibe Ushigami-shita kiln. Having spent nearly 15 years exploring various clays and honing his craft since stepping away from Kaneshige Bizen, this *yohen* work represents the culmination of his journey as Yuho Kaneshige, son of the late Sozan Kaneshige; it is a magnificent piece of kiln-transmutation fired by a man who has dedicated over half his life to ceramics, overcoming agony and inner turmoil. He has truly achieved what is often described metaphorically as "listening to the voice of the clay," perfectly balancing the beautiful hues of *haikaburi* (ash-covered) glaze with the finest inherent colors of the clay itself, even in the exceptionally difficult *haikaburi-yohen* firing process. Beyond his meticulous post-firing care, he applies fine adjustments during the drying stage after throwing on the wheel, resulting in outstanding texture and form that match the quality of his colors. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 6.8cm x 6.5cm, Height 5.1cm Yuho Kaneshige was born as the third son of Intangible Cultural Property holder Sozan Kaneshige. He began learning ceramic techniques under his father in 1975. In 1980, he became independent 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. He places particular emphasis on the interior form (mikomi) of his tea bowls, which he favors, while pursuing a balance in their exterior silhouettes. He has received awards including 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 highly active in holding solo exhibitions in various locations.