Kaneshige Tōyō 金重陶陽 (1896-1967)

Extremely rare korogashi flower vase with handles by Living National Treasure Kaneshige Tōyō (1896-1967). Korogashi - the so-called 'knocked-over' pieces - are describing a group of pottery pieces that are fired lying horizontally on the kiln floor, where the temperature and ash circulation have the greatest impact. Naturally, very few pieces survive this process, but they can eventually produce some of the most fantastic firing effects (or yōhen, "kiln mutations"), as we can see on this massive flower vase. Significant characteristics of korogashi pieces are clear, glass-like traces of ash that run horizontally down the wall of the vessel, reserve patterns left by the firing supports that prevent the work from sticking to the bottom of the kiln, and a dark, rough, crusty surface on the back side of the vessel. This vase is an outstanding museum quality piece.

Kaneshige Tōyō, born in 1896 in Inbe, Bizen, is generally recognized as the founder of contemporary traditional (gendai dentō) Bizen pottery. By exploring and experimenting with old techniques, he is one of the great renovators of Bizen's golden age and the most important potter in 20th century Japan. As a founding member of the Nihon Kōgeikai (Japanese Craft Society) and for his work, Tōyō was awarded the highest official title of Living National Treasure and the Purple Ribbon Medal of Honor (hōshō) by the Emperor in 1956. He worked with Bernard Leach and other international potters. After his death in 1967, he was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun. To this day, the Kaneshige Tōyō Prize is given only to the best potters in Japan in his memory.     

The vase is signed at the bottom with Tōyō's potter's mark "to" ト. The matching wooden box bears Tōyō's original inscription: Bizen mimitsuki yōhen hanaire ("Bizen flower vase with handles and kiln mutations") and his signature: Tōyō tsukuri ("Made by Tōyō") and seal.

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