Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Kosuke Kaneshige, leader of the Kaneshige family and son of the great Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, who is credited with the revival of Bizen ware. The entire piece is covered in the fine, dark-green-tinted "kase-goma" (dry sesame glaze) characteristic of Kosuke-sensei’s Koto kiln. The clay texture peeking through in between is a lovely, deep reddish-purple that brings to mind a rich red wine. Its soft, gentle surface completely dispels the conventional image of rough, dry kase-goma and is sure to liven up any drinking occasion. The rim has been intentionally shaped with a spatula to define a specific drinking spot, showcasing the artist’s playful style. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.7cm × 6.5cm × Height 6.5cm Kosuke 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 master’s degree there in 1970. He began presenting his ceramic works in 1975, and after serving as a lecturer at Tokai University, he returned home in 1977. He built his own climbing kiln in 1982. He creates objects, tea wares, 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. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 1994. 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 an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.