Bizen Guinomi

This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by Kousuke Kaneshige, leader of the Kaneshige school and son of the great restorer of Bizen ware and Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. This piece showcases the exquisite charm of *haikaburi* (ash-covered) kiln transformation, featuring areas burned so intensely they have turned white, while offering a delightful range of ash-covered hues across its surface. The texture, achieved simply by firing buried in embers, displays a kaleidoscope of colors as if painted, possessing a mysterious charm that one never tires of gazing at. The raw clay quality acts as the backbone of the piece, firmly supporting the ash-covered effects while preserving the delicate, characteristic colors of Bizen ware; it is truly magnificent. Signed wooden box (tomobako)
Diameter 7.1cm × 6.8cm × Height 5.3cm Kousuke Kaneshige is the third son of the Living National Treasure, Toyo Kaneshige. He graduated from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo University of the Arts in 1968 and completed his graduate studies in sculpture at the same university in 1970. He began exhibiting ceramic works in 1975, and after serving as a lecturer at Tokai University, he returned home in 1977. He built his climbing kiln in 1982. He creates objects, tea utensils, flower vases, tableware, and sake vessels. In 1991, he created the ceramic wall piece "Light and Wind" for the Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Building in Okayama. In 1994, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1997, he exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition. He holds solo exhibitions in various locations, including Tokyo and Osaka. In 2012, he was designated a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property.