Item Description This is an exceptional Bizen flower vase (hanaire) created by Kaneshige Toyo (1896-1967), a Living National Treasure and revered as the "Father of Modern Bizen Ware." Born into the prestigious Kaneshige family, one of the six historic Bizen pottery lineages, Toyo dedicated his life to reviving the ancient techniques of Momoyama-period Bizen ware that had been lost to time. This flower vase exemplifies Toyo's mastery of traditional Bizen firing techniques. The piece showcases the natural beauty of unglazed stoneware, achieved through extended wood-firing at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C for over a week. The surface displays subtle variations in color and texture, characteristic of Bizen's "yohen" (kiln effects), where ash and flame create unique natural patterns during the firing process. Kaneshige Toyo was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure) for Bizen ware in 1956, becoming the first Bizen potter to receive this highest honor. His revolutionary approach to clay preparation, kiln construction, and firing methods successfully recreated the robust, dignified aesthetic of ancient Bizen tea wares. Beyond his own exceptional work, Toyo trained numerous disciples who went on to become master potters themselves, including fellow Living National Treasure Fujiwara Kei, as well as his brother Kaneshige Sozan and sons Kaneshige Michiaki and Kaneshige Kosuke. This piece comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), providing authentication and provenance. The vase represents an important example of mid-20th century Bizen revival and would be a distinguished addition to any collection of Japanese ceramics or tea ceremony utensils. Size Height: 25 cm Width: 12 cm Depth: 12 cm Condition The vase is in good vintage condition with minor signs of age-appropriate wear consistent with its historical significance. Artist Profile Kaneshige Toyo (1896-1967) stands as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Japanese ceramics. Born in Inbe, Okayama Prefecture, into a family with centuries of pottery tradition, Toyo initially trained under his father Kaneshige Baiyo, mastering the intricate sculptural works (細工物) for which the family was renowned. In his thirties, Toyo became captivated by ancient Bizen tea wares from the Momoyama period and devoted himself to understanding their lost techniques. Through meticulous research into clay composition, wheel-throwing methods, kiln architecture, and firing processes, he successfully revived the aesthetic qualities of Ko-Bizen (ancient Bizen) by the early 1940s. His innovative approaches transformed Bizen from a declining craft into one of Japan's most celebrated ceramic traditions. Toyo's influence extended far beyond his own creations. He established and led the Bizen Yogeikai pottery association in 1949 and participated in founding the Japan Kogei Association in 1955. His workshop became a crucible for talent, producing multiple generations of exceptional potters. His teaching philosophy emphasized working in harmony with natural materials, as expressed in his famous dictum: "Be honest to the clay, be honest to the fire, do not resist the fire, and serve the kiln during firing." Throughout his career, Toyo exhibited extensively in Japan and internationally, including at the Art Institute of Chicago and teaching residencies at the University of Hawaii. He received numerous honors, including the Purple Ribbon Medal and the Order of the Rising Sun. His legacy continues through his descendants and students, who maintain Bizen's position as one of Japan's premier pottery traditions. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.