Bizen Guinomi Highest quality clay

This is a new Bizen Guinomi, “Saijo Tsuchi Nite,” by Makoto Kaneshige, who inherited the Maruyama kiln as the eldest son of Sozan Kaneshige and captivates many with the harmony of delicate, elegant clay texture and powerful form.

It is one of his latest works, newly fired at the end of 2025.

As indicated by the box inscription “Saijo Tsuchi Nite,” this Guinomi was made from the finest possible field clay and fired at the Maruyama kiln, resulting in a moist and refined clay surface.

Around forty years ago, Sozan Kaneshige and Makoto Kaneshige discovered this highest-grade clay. It is said that the clay was prepared entirely by hand, without the use of machinery, and then left to rest in storage for many years.

It was clay of such exceptional quality that Makoto Kaneshige said he could not bear to leave it unused in his lifetime. By firing it slowly and thoroughly in the back of the Maruyama kiln, the surface has become so fine and smooth that it almost seems as though the clay had been passed through a fine sieve.

As with old Bizen works, straw was wrapped around the piece before firing, and the natural ash glaze guided by the straw has formed Ito-Goma around the lower body and rim.

In terms of form as well, the bold spatula work often seen in Makoto Kaneshige’s Yohen pieces has been restrained here, resulting in a quiet style that places the clay itself at the center of the work.

He was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture in 1945 as the eldest son of Sozan Kaneshige.
He graduated from Kyoto University in 1969.
He became his father's disciple.