Kouseihai(Kohiki)

This is a *kosei* (rebirth) sake cup by Sozan Kaneshige, a master artisan of Bizen ware who was loved for his works. He began his career as an assistant to his older brother, the legendary potter Toyo Kaneshige. This Kohiki (powdered glaze) sake cup was created by Sozan at the Kakuzan Kiln in Kyoto as part of his service activities for the Oomoto religion. It is stamped with the "Kosei" mark on the interior, and was fired without his personal potter's mark in honor of this service. The beautiful, translucent white glaze has a very refreshing quality, perfect for enjoying cold sake. The rim is finely thinned, which, combined with the smooth texture of the glaze, makes it exceptionally pleasant to use. Signed wooden box (double-crosspiece)
Diameter 6.4cm × 6.2cm × Height 4.5cm Sozan Kaneshige (1909–1995) was the younger brother of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, and worked alongside him until around 1951. He was renowned as a leading figure in tea ceramics, with a particular expertise in Momoyama-style *hidasuki* (fire-cord) ware. He built the Maruyama Kiln in the eastern suburbs of Okayama City in 1964, and in 1966, he created a sensation by unveiling Momoyama-style *hidasuki* works fired in an electric kiln. He moved to Inbe in 1982 to establish the Ushigami-shita Kiln, and was designated a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in 1983. He received the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class, Gold Rays with Rosette. He passed away in 1995.