Bizen Tokkuri

This is a Bizen sake bottle by Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of the master Toyo Kaneshige and captivated everyone with a style that infused his own unique sensibility into tradition. Based on the box inscription marked with the character "Mi," it is believed to be an early work by Michiaki. It is a crane-neck sake bottle characterized by a somewhat stout, small form, which he likely created as a study of the masterpiece old Bizen sake bottle "Toshiwasure" that his father, Toyo Kaneshige, possessed at the time. Much like the "covered" firing of "Toshiwasure," the upper part features a *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern created by covering, while the lower part is dusted with *goma* (ash glaze). However, the *goma* is applied very thinly, which instead brings out the rich, viscous quality of the Kannon clay, allowing one to enjoy the melting texture characteristic of Kaneshige Bizen. (There is almost no sign of use or dirt.) Original box (with two-way crossbar lid)
Rim 4.1cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Height 14.1cm　Capacity approx. 280cc Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1995) was born in Inbe as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. In 1955, he graduated from the Craft Department of Kanazawa College of Art. He studied under his father, Toyo, and became a ceramic artist. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Modern Ceramics Exhibition three times in a row. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he toured the United States to observe ceramic arts. In 1969, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association and received the Toyo Kaneshige Award in 1970. In 1973, he was recommended as a committee member for the Issuikai Ceramics Department. In 1980, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award, and in 1990, he was officially designated as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property. He excelled at tea ceramics and also worked on geometrically shaped bowls. He also exhibited his work in exhibitions overseas.