Bizen-ware sake cup with colorful dragon carving

This is a colored Bizen dragon-carved sake cup by Anjin Abe, an artist with profound insight and aesthetic sensibility regarding antique pottery who creates one-of-a-kind works through his original research and firing techniques. This latest sake cup features the highly popular Mount Fuji coloration, further enhanced by an intricately carved flying dragon. While the bold design is reminiscent of Katsushika Hokusai’s "Dragon Flying Over Mt. Fuji," the composition remains perfectly balanced even when held in the hand—a true testament to Abe’s mastery. A natural ash glaze (goma) flows into the interior, creating a superb landscape for your sake as you use it. Signed wooden box to follow (currently in production, so please allow some time for shipment).
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.0cm x Height 5.8cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. He began collecting pottery as a hobby, but finding contemporary Bizen ware unsatisfying, he started creating his own in 1972 to craft pieces that met his own standards. He frequently creates water jars, flower vases, flat jars, bowls, sake flasks, and sake cups, all of which are wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. He centers his ceramic philosophy on Momoyama-period antique Bizen, with a particular focus on firing techniques. Furthermore, he is engaged in diverse expressive activities, presenting mixed-media works that combine various materials and techniques such as ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze. He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, including in Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.