Bizen-yaki is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally produced in the Inbe region of Bizen City, present-day Okayama prefecture, and is one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, with over a thousand year history. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), production mainly focused on large pots, small vessels, and mortars. Come the Momoyama period (1573–1615) with the rise of the tea ceremony, Bizen utensils gained prominence for their simple, rustic charm. The unglazed red-brown stoneware is traditionally made of local sticky, iron-rich Hiyose clay harvested from the lower layers of rice paddies, which is burned at extremely high temperatures for around two weeks. A natural ash glaze is acquired with the help of the burning red pinewood used to heat the kiln, which is also responsible for the unique surface variations of each piece – such as Hidasuki (緋襷) "fire cord" and Enokihada (榎肌) "hackberry skin". In 1982 Bizen-yaki was designated a Traditional Japanese Craft by the government.
Chawan Kaneshige Bizen
Kaneshige Toyo
SKU
0276
A Bizen-yaki Chawan by Kaneshige Tōyō (1896–1967): the first Living National Treasure for Bizen wares. This bowl crafted from reddish-brown clay has a rustic, slightly irregular, cylindrical form, with yellowish-brown marks and spatula cuts, set upon an unglazed foot ring.
| Artist | Kaneshige Tōyō |
|---|---|
| Object | Chawan tea bowl |
| Period | Early to mid-20th century |
| Origin | Bizen, Okayama, Japan |
| Style | Bizen-yaki |
| Material | Ceramic, unglazed |
| Dimensions | Ø13.1 x 6.2cm |
| Weight | 484g |
| Artist's mark | ト inscribed in foot ring |
| Packaging | Signed Tomobako, Shifuku bag, lacquered outer box |
This masterpiece is part of the Yoshi en Private Collection, shown here for display only and is not for sale.
In stock
Kaneshige Tōyō 金重 陶陽
Seminal 20th-century Japanese ceramic artist and the great restorer of Bizen-yaki, Kaneshige Tōyō (1896–1967) was born in Imbe, into the Kaneshige dynasty – one of the founding lineages of Bizen-yaki – becoming an apprentice to his father after finishing school at fourteen, and henceforth devoting his life to pottery. During the 1920s he would embark on his lifelong pursuit of reviving old Ko Bizen wares of the Momoyama period (1573–1615), rediscovering long-lost kiln-building and firing techniques, as well as ancient clay.
Kaneshige was part of a wider Momoyama revival movement in the 1930s, along with the likes of Arakawa Toyozō (1894–1985), with whom he would help establish the Japan Kōgei Association: dedicated to the protection and development of traditional Japanese crafts. He was also active on the international crafts scene, collaborating with major figures such as Bernard Leach and Isamu Noguchi.
In 1956, he earned the honour of becoming Bizen's first Living National Treasure, and was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Emperor in recognition of his life's work. His legacy continues to this day with the Kaneshige Tōyō Prize, awarded to artists who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in Japanese pottery.
Chawan 茶碗
The tea bowl, known as a Chawan (茶碗: "tea bowl") or Matchawan (抹茶椀: "matcha tea bowl") in Japanese, originated in China and began to be imported to Japan in the 13th century. To this day, Chawan are used in the Japanese tea ceremony to prepare and serve Koicha (濃茶): a thick, dark tea made with the finest matcha, as well as Usucha (薄茶): a thinner, frothier version – or how matcha is typically prepared for everyday drinking. Chawan come in a variety of shapes and regional styles, sometimes with the addition of seasonal motifs, making them popular items to collect.
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