Bizen Hidasuki Teacup

This Bizen *hidasuki* (fire-cord) teacup is a previous work by Ariyuki Kaneshige, an artist who, while belonging to the Kaneshige lineage, constantly questions himself and creates his work as "Ariyuki," the individual potter, rather than as "Ariyuki Kaneshige." The piece bears the "Ari" potter’s mark, used before he adopted his current "⦿" mark. It includes a career summary dated up to May 1995, suggesting it was created around that time. When held up to the light, the black particles embedded in the clay sparkle; combined with the soft, slightly yellowish quality of the earth, it is evident that exceptionally high-quality clay was used. At a glance, the distinct superiority of the clay is apparent, and the *hidasuki* coloring is truly outstanding. The *hidasuki* finish, achieved with the combined use of wood-firing, possesses an incredibly moist texture and an exquisite hue that defies description. The combination of a wide *goke-zoko* (go-stone container style) foot and a tall, slender body strongly reflects the refined tastes of Ariyuki-sensei, who is known as a gourmet and a man of elegance. (*No signs of use or staining.) Signed wooden box (double-braced lid)
Diameter 7.8cm x Diameter 7.8cm x Height 10.3cm Ariyuki Kaneshige was born as the third son of the Intangible Cultural Property holder Sozan Kaneshige. He began studying pottery techniques under his father in 1975. He became independent in 1980 and held his first solo exhibition in Okayama. He creates tableware with a focus on tea ceramics such as tea bowls, water jars, and flower vases. With tea bowls, which he particularly enjoys, he emphasizes the internal form (*mikomi*) while pursuing balance on the exterior. He has received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Prefectural Art Exhibition, the Encouragement Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Forms, and the Tanko Biennale Encouragement Award. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 2003. He is also dedicated to his solo exhibitions, which are held in various locations.