Bizen Iro-Goma Shuhai

This is a Bizen Iro-Goma Shuhai by Mitsuhiro Kaneshige, who was born into Kaneshige Ritouen, one of the six traditional Bizen kiln families. Rather than relying on the prestige of his family name, he continues to create works guided by his own curiosity and spirit of exploration.

This piece was made through a combination of electric kiln and wood-fired kiln firings under various firing conditions, as Kaneshige sought to approach the rich matière found in antique ceramics that he admires.

The Shuhai is characterized by its heavy, richly fired surface created through multiple firings, together with deep yellow Goma-Sangiri effects. It beautifully recreates the firmly fired clay texture and rich dark brown tones reminiscent of Ko-Bizen.

As indicated by the title “Iro-Goma,” this piece also incorporates a coloring technique. A pale blue glaze has been applied over the Goma in a way that blends naturally with the surface, serving as an accent color that connects the yellow Goma with the dark brown clay tones.

The carefully considered wheel marks in the interior, reminiscent of a tea pool, and the delicately shaped go-ishi style foot are also superbly executed.

This is a distinctive Shuhai by Mitsuhiro Kaneshige, in which a modern sense of playfulness is beautifully matched with powerful, richly layered firing effects.

Mitsuhiro Kaneshige was born in 1988 in Imbe, Bizen City, into Kaneshige Ritouen, one of the six kiln families of Bizen.

He entered the Bizen Ceramic Art Center in 2017 and held his first kiln firing in 2020.

In 2023, he received the Shubi Prize at the Chanoyu no Zokeiten, and in 2024, he held his first solo exhibition.