Bizen Yunomi

This is a brand-new Bizen-yaki tea cup, fresh from the kiln of Kousuke Kaneshige, the leader of the Kaneshige family and son of the great restorer of Bizen ware and Living National Treasure, the late Toyo Kaneshige. It features the distinctive "do-jime" (waisted) design that is instantly recognizable as the work of Kousuke-sensei, which not only gives the form a taut, refined aesthetic but also makes it comfortable to hold. This is a luxurious piece fired to the quality of a tea bowl, adorned with a generous coating of "ki-goma" (yellow sesame) glaze that has vitrified into a glass-like finish. The clay body itself is also intensely fired, revealing a rich, chocolate-colored surface. The powerful firing acts almost like a coating, resulting in a smooth texture that makes it a pleasure to use. Signed wooden box (double-slatted)
Diameter 7.3cm x Diameter 7.2cm x Height 9.8cm Kousuke Kaneshige is the third son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. He graduated from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo University of the Arts in 1968 and completed his graduate studies there in 1970. He began exhibiting his ceramic works in 1975, and after serving as a lecturer at Tokai University, he returned to his hometown in 1977. He built his climbing kiln in 1982. He creates a wide range of works including sculptural objects, tea utensils, vases, tableware, and sake vessels. In 1991, he created the ceramic wall mural "Light and Wind" for the Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Building in Okayama. He was awarded the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1994. In 1997, his work was exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition, and he has held numerous solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, and other locations. In 2012, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture.