{"product_id":"p6714","title":"Bizen ware teacup","description":"This is a Bizen tea cup by Sozan Kaneshige, an artist who began his career as an assistant to his older brother, the genius potter Toyo Kaneshige, and went on to create works beloved by many as a master of Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough Sozan began working seriously with Bizen ware at his Maruyama kiln when he was around fifty years old, the signature box and firing characteristics suggest this piece was created when he was around sixty.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe artist used a slightly coarse clay adjusted for tableware, with many small white stone particles visible on the surface of the clay, providing a deeply tasteful accent.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired near the stoking port of the kiln, the piece features an abundance of yellow sesame-like ash glaze (yellow goma) on the front and interior from absorbing smoke, while the rest of the piece showcases the rich, chocolate-colored character of the clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nEven for a tea cup, the molding remains unmistakably Sozan Kaneshige—the graceful, rounded curve of the body and the elegantly carved foot are nothing short of magnificent.\n\nSigned box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.7cm x 7.6cm x Height 8.7cm\n\nSozan Kaneshige (1909–1995) was the younger brother of Bizen ware Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, and the two worked together until around 1951.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSubsequently, he dedicated himself to service at the Oomoto religious organization in Kyoto, where he also studied techniques outside of Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1964, he built a climbing kiln in Maruyama, Okayama City, and became an independent artist.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1966, he perfected the technique of firing Hidasuki (fire-cord) patterns using an electric kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1982, he moved his studio to Inbe and built the Ushigami-shita kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1983, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 1995.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards include: Miki Memorial Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Award, Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.","brand":"金重素山","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618061176929,"sku":"6714","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6714.jpg?v=1790231772","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6714","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}