Inbe Guinomi

This is a new Ibe sake cup from a new kiln by Ariyuki Kaneshige, a potter who, while belonging to the Kaneshige lineage, constantly questions himself and creates works as the potter Ariyuki, not as "Kaneshige Ariyuki." The piece was created using a newly designed "tsuchigama" (earth kiln)—a kiln made solely of earth without the use of firebricks—representing a fusion of the Kaneshige firing style with this unique kiln. It is a type of work similar to what Ariyuki himself uses in his daily life, characterized by a soft scarlet hue that conveys the quality of the clay and a beautifully fired, shiso-purple color. Through a firing process that maximizes the potential of the clay, the piece features a rich, dense surface texture while remaining fine-grained and matte, perfectly recreating a unique skin reminiscent of old Bizen ware. Ariyuki, who uses this same type of cup for tea and coffee, notes that it is made from the finest clay and that its elegant surface will develop an even deeper, more seasoned character with use. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.2cm × 6.8cm × Height 5.2cm Ariyuki Kaneshige was born the third son of Intangible Cultural Property holder Sozan Kaneshige. He began learning pottery techniques under his father in 1975. He became independent in 1980 and held his first solo exhibition in Okayama. He produces tableware, focusing primarily 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 pursuing balance in their exterior. He has received awards including the Sanyo Shimbun Prize at the Prefectural Exhibition, an Encouragement Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Ceramics, and an Encouragement Award at the Tanko Biennale. In 2003, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. He is also active in holding solo exhibitions in various locations.