Bizen Hidasuki Tokkuri

This is a Bizen Hidasuki sake flask by Michiaki Kaneshige, who was born as the eldest son of Toyo Kaneshige and captivated everyone with a style that infused unique sensibilities into tradition. When I inquired with his eldest son, Iwao Kaneshige, he mentioned that Michiaki-sensei produced only a small number of Hidasuki works using an electric kiln, making them extremely rare. Produced around the time Sozan Kaneshige perfected electric kiln firing, this piece features a mugusa-colored clay surface with a strong yellow tint, adorned with rich and vivid Hidasuki markings that possess the elegance and grace instantly recognizable as an electric kiln Hidasuki from the Kaneshige family. True to Michiaki-sensei’s character of facing Bizen pottery directly without resorting to gimmicks, the form is extremely simple and refined, offering no superfluous information to those who view or hold it. It is a testament to his mastery that, despite the seemingly unadorned form, the craftsmanship is unmistakably his. This simple yet sharpened approach to creation is not something reached overnight, but achieved through the accumulation of daily practice. (Please note in advance that the piece shows signs of use.) Signed wooden box (shiho-zan) with lid
Rim 3.4cm × Body diameter 8.5cm × Body diameter 8.3cm × Height 12.6cm Capacity approx. 340cc Michiaki Kaneshige (1934–1995) was born in Imbe as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige. In 1955, he graduated from the Kanazawa College of Art with a degree in crafts. He studied under his father, Toyo, to become a ceramic artist. From 1957, he was selected for the Asahi Modern Ceramic Art Exhibition three consecutive times. He was also selected for the Nitten Exhibition, and in 1960, he toured various parts of the United States to observe ceramic arts. In 1969, he became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association, and in 1970, he received the Toyo Kaneshige Award. In 1973, he was recommended as a committee member for the Issuikai Ceramic 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 created works such as geometrically shaped bowls. He also exhibited his work in overseas exhibitions.