Hello everyone, how are you all doing?
We have strong, summer-like sunshine today, and the sky and clouds both seem to stretch high above.
I spotted a Japanese stag beetle by the window, so I wonder if the great chorus of cicadas—a true mark of summer—will be here soon?
Now, today I would like to introduce a rare item by Toyo Kaneshige that has just arrived.
It is a Bizen "masu" (measuring box) lid rest created during the early Showa period.
The artist produced many different versions of this "masu" series,
and this particular piece is the simple, "masu-only" type.
Although it is labeled as a lid rest in the box inscription, its magnificent craftsmanship makes it equally enjoyable as a sake cup.
Each side is stamped with the characters "Fuku" (fortune), "Dai" (big), and "Kyo" (capital). It calls to mind the traditional "Kyomasu" measuring boxes.
There is also a "Fuku" character on the base. The combination of the measuring box and the character for fortune brings to mind an abundant harvest, making it quite auspicious.
In this piece, the slip coating is somewhat thin, which makes the stamped characters stand out very clearly.
The *goma* (sesame-like ash glaze) application is also excellent, making it a masterpiece that is a delight just to gaze upon.
As this is a rare work, we have received permission from the customer who purchased it
to keep it on display in our Toyo Kaneshige section at Kawaguchi Tourakuen for a little while longer.
If you are in the area, please do stop by to take a look.
(Toyo Kaneshige / Bizen Masu Lid Rest size: 5.9cm dia. x 5.7cm dia. x 4.3cm height price: Sold)
For detailed images or information about the work, please contact us below.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email to Kawaguchi Tourakuen (clicking will open your email client)
To Kawaguchi Tourakuen Website