Kohiki tea bowl

This is a Kohiki tea bowl by Sozan Kaneshige, renowned in the world as the "uncrowned king." This Kohiki tea bowl was created by Sozan at the Kakuzan kiln of the Omoto-kyo sect. A celadon glaze is applied over a heavily crackled white glaze, and the combination of the two-layered white glaze crackling and the celadon glaze crazing creates a geometric pattern. In the deep interior, the celadon glaze becomes even thicker, spreading out a refreshing light blue landscape. The bowl exhibits Sozan's characteristic soft curves, and its relaxed form, along with the smooth glaze texture, sits comfortably in the palm of the hand. Signed wooden box (with appraisal by Sozan, four-way frame, double box)
Diameter 11.4cm × Diameter 11.3cm × Height 9.6cm Sozan Kaneshige (1909–1995) was the younger brother of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, and the two worked together until around 1951. He excelled in Momoyama-style hidaski (scarlet cord) ware and was considered a leading authority on tea ceramics. In 1964, he built the Maruyama kiln in the eastern suburbs of Okayama City, and in 1966, he caused a stir by unveiling Momoyama-style hidaski created in an electric kiln. In 1982, he moved to Inbe to build the Ushigami-shita kiln, and in 1983, he was designated a holder of a Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property. He received a Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, an Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class, Gold Rays with Rosette. He passed away in 1995.