KANESHIGE TŌYŌ (1896-1967)
Bizen style kinuta-shaped (furling block) eared flower vase and natural kiln effects 
1960s
Unglazed stoneware with original box with ‘Koshinan’ signature  
10 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 5 in.
SOLD

Potter’s Mark:  To (carved on base)
Box Title:         Bizen mimitsuki hanaire, Tsuboshinan; Top level work: Eared Bizen Vase
Signed:            Tōyō zō
Sealed:            Kaneshige

The first Living National Treasure in Bizen ware, Kaneshige Tōyō (1896-1967) was one of the most important ceramic artists of the twentieth century. By the late 1920s, he had already begun his life-long pursuit of revitalizing Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) wares of the Momoyama period (1573-1615). He rediscovered its long-lost methods of clay preparation, kiln building, kiln loading, and firing. His successful recovery of ancient techniques enabled future generations of ceramists to explore the unique traits of Bizen ware for themselves. Artists were eager for workshop visits and exchanges with him, and so in 1952, Kaneshige hosted Rosanjin and his friend, renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, at his kiln in Imbe. Putting to work a team of assistants that included, at times, Kaneshige's wife, Rosanjin produced several hundred vessels and objects in just one week. Rosanjin went further and persuaded Kaneshige to build him a Bizen-style kiln at his compound, Kita Kamakura, which allowed for Rosanjin to produce his own Bizen style ware.