Imbe Hisago Tokkuri

This is a new Ibe gourd-shaped sake bottle from a recent firing by Yuho Kaneshige, an artist who, despite belonging to the Kaneshige lineage, constantly questions himself and creates works not as "Kaneshige Yuho," but simply as the potter, Yuho. This piece was fired in the spring using his newly designed "earth kiln"—an anagama kiln made entirely of clay without the use of firebricks—representing a fusion of the traditional Kaneshige firing technique with this unique kiln. Even with a kiln that is difficult to manage, he has maximized the potential of the clay to draw out a vivid, striking scarlet hue. Because the base remained buried in embers while the upper portion was left open, the piece features a "kase-yohen" (matte kiln-change) aesthetic, where moss-green matte sesame glaze and grey ash covering can be enjoyed simultaneously. The kiln-change section is particularly intriguing, as the scarlet clay tone glows through the surface, creating a visual effect where silver-shimmering, carbonized ash deposits rest upon the densely fired red clay body. Very fine comb markings have been added to the entire piece in a way that never feels intrusive; one is moved by the meticulous craftsmanship felt the moment the piece is touched, evoking images of Yuho-sensei working silently, as if polishing and cherishing the clay itself. Original signed box to follow
Mouth 3.1cm × Body 9.3cm × Body 9.1cm × Height 13.0cm　Capacity approx. 260cc Yuho Kaneshige was born as the third son of the Intangible Cultural Property holder Sozan Kaneshige. He began studying pottery techniques under his father in 1975. In 1980, he became independent and held his first solo exhibition in Okayama. He creates tableware, focusing primarily on tea ceramics such as tea bowls, water jars, and flower vases. With tea bowls in particular, he prioritizes the interior structure (mikomi) while pursuing a balance with the exterior. He has received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Prefectural Exhibition, the Encouragement Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Ceramics, and the Tanko Biennale Encouragement Award. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 2002 and the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award in 2018. He is also dedicated to his solo exhibitions, which are held in various locations. In 2019, he was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture-designated Important Intangible Cultural Property.