Bizen Sake Cup

This is a new Bizen sake cup by Junpei Kaneshige, the eldest son of Kosuke Kaneshige, a leading master of the Kaneshige lineage. Staying true to the traditional Kaneshige method of clay preparation, this piece is crafted from clay refined entirely by hand without the use of a pug mill, and aged for several decades before use. Although fired in a climbing kiln, the piece possesses a mysterious finish, appearing as if it were fired in an anagama kiln. The beautiful scarlet clay body features two "nuke" (clear areas where the clay is exposed), and combined with its smooth, moist texture, this cup promises to be a joy to season with sake over time. The generous yellow sesame glaze appears as if it were sprayed on, creating a striking "katamigawari" (half-and-half) contrast with the scarlet body that is truly exquisite. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 5.2cm Junpei Kaneshige was born in Komaba, Tokyo, in 1972 as the eldest son of Kosuke Kaneshige. He graduated from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Waseda University in 1994. In 2000, he completed his graduate studies in sculpture at Long Island University in New York, USA, and upon returning to Japan, began his apprenticeship under his father, Kosuke Kaneshige.