Colored Bizen Sake Cup

This is a colored Bizen sake cup by Anjin Abe, an artist who possesses profound insight into ancient ceramics and a refined aesthetic sensibility, creating one-of-a-kind works through his unique research and firing techniques. The balance of the color placement is exceptional, allowing one to enjoy the full spectrum of gold, red, blue, and white. The depiction is magnificent, featuring a central Mt. Fuji against a red background, surrounded by powerfully rendered indigo waves outlined in gold. On the interior and sides of the body, one can find the weathered "sesame" ash glaze (goma) reminiscent of ancient Bizen, which can be enjoyed in alternating harmony with the colored sections. Such a profound composition truly turns this piece into a painting from which one can drink, drawing the viewer into an intimate gallery within the palm of their hand—a mere 5cm square. This masterpiece is a testament to Anjin Abe's cultivated knowledge of ancient pottery, combined with his sensibility for oil painting and compositional skill, overcoming the formidable challenge of applying color to the colored canvas that is Bizen clay. Signed wooden box (shiho-san, double box)
Diameter 6.5cm × Diameter 5.6cm × Height 6.2cm Anjin Abe was originally a Western-style painter. He collected pottery as a hobby but, feeling unsatisfied with contemporary Bizen ware, began his career in ceramics in 1972 to create works that met his own standards. He frequently crafts water jars, flower vases, flattened jars, bowls, sake bottles, and sake cups. Every piece is wheel-thrown and finished with a spatula. His pottery is rooted in the aesthetics of Momoyama-period ancient Bizen, with a particular focus on the firing process. He is also engaged in diverse creative activities, presenting works that combine various materials and techniques, such as ceramics, lacquer, oil painting, and bronze (mixed media). He holds solo exhibitions energetically both in Japan and abroad, in cities including Tokyo, Osaka, New York, and Paris.