Tokkuri / Bizen
Momoyama Period 16th C. Bizen Kabura Tokkuri
Every Bizen potter and serious collector past and present holds works made in the Momoyama period (1568-1603)in the highest esteem. Almost all the best works are in museums or private collections and rarely come to market. Here is a possibly once-in-a-lifetime Momoyama period kabura-turnip tokkuri-vase that has a rare signed box by Kaneshige Toyo( 1896-1967), the first Living National Treasure for Bizen. This leads me--and a famous Bizen dealer from Okayama--to believe this piece is from Kaneshige's private collection. It has a classic full form and also a classic kabuse firing, meaning a chawan or bowl was placed over the top and this accounts for the color differentiation on the neck and shoulder. Also on the shoulder can be seen some very dark and wickedly cool ito-goma or 'thread goma-sesame' that is rarely found on any pieces. The kiln mark is also on the shoulder. I have been to the Bizen Ceramic Museum countless times--as well as other ceramic museums--and I say without hesitation this piece is better than the one in the BCM. Also, in our fantastic old Bizen book library there are few as good as this one; if you visit the gallery I will happily show these books to you. On the base can be seen the remnants of red lacquer and this points to this piece being owned and used by either a chajin-Tea master, Samurai or Daimyo, we are not sure as the writing is now illegible. The box written by Kaneshige (as noted) says the piece is a Kabura tokkuri fired in an O-gama(legendary large kiln of that period, there were three) and dates to the end of the Momoyama period. Signed Showa 39(1964), May(shoka) and his name. A museum piece of the first order, in perfect condition, 21.5cm.tallx22. Serious inquiries only please.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
