Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen ware sake cup by the late Toyo Kaneshige, the first Living National Treasure and the great restorer of Bizen ware. Based on the ceramic seal and other details, this piece dates to the master's later years, likely produced around 1965. Its surface resembles the bark of a tree, and the green *kase-goma* (matte ash glaze) is magnificent, making it hard to believe it was created solely from earth and fire. The texture of the *kase-goma* is not rough or harsh; rather, its fine-grained, soft feel—as if truly alive—speaks to the high level of Master Toyo’s kiln-firing technique. The front and the interior retain the raw quality of the clay, allowing one to enjoy the changes that occur through use, characteristic of Bizen ware; the front, in particular, features a deep, mellow, and viscous scarlet hue achieved through a slightly gentler firing. The interior also displays a strong, fruit-like reddish clay tone, ensuring it will make any sake served in it look exceptional. This is a masterpiece that allows you to savor the unique beauty of the sake while deeply enjoying a texture that transcends that of ordinary pottery. Original wooden box (four-way tenon, double box)
Diameter 6.1cm × Diameter 5.9cm × Height 6.0cm Toyo Kaneshige (1896–1967, born in Inbe, Bizen City) was born the eldest son of Baiyo Kaneshige, a branch of the Kaneshige family, one of the six traditional Bizen pottery houses. He studied under his father and first gained fame for his handmade teapots (*hohin*). From the Taisho to early Showa periods, he conducted extensive research and succeeded in reproducing the clay quality of Momoyama-period Bizen. Around that time, he began working with the potter’s wheel and dedicated himself to the creation of tea ceremony ceramics. He deepened his friendships with Handeishi Kawakita, Toyozo Arakawa, and Kyusetsu Miwa, and after the war, he broadened his artistic range through the influence of Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. For these contributions, he is known as the restorer of Bizen ware. He was the first Bizen potter to be designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), and in 1964 and 1966, he was invited as a lecturer for the summer program at the University of Hawaii. In 1967, he performed a live demonstration for Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun during their visit to Bizen.
Major awards: Chugoku Cultural Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette.