26187 Living National Treasure Kaneshige Toyo's Persimmon Glazed Sake Cup at the University of Hawaii

Height 3.7cm
Diameter 6.3cm

Kaneshige Toyo was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1896 (Meiji 29) and came from the Kaneshige family, a prestigious family of Bizen ware makers. From the age of about 15, he learned pottery from his father and became absorbed in creating Bizen ware.

Thanks to his achievements, Bizen ware, which had once lost popularity, was revived and he is known as the "founder of the Bizen ware revival."

He served as a lecturer at the University of Hawaii's summer college twice, in 1964 (Showa 39) and 1966 (Showa 41).

Fusion of tradition and local
Toyo taught the traditional techniques of Bizen ware while also actively incorporating the natural beauty of Hawaii.

Local soil: I collected Hawaiian soil myself and used it as material for my work.

Firing method: In Hawaii, where pine trees are scarce, coconut shells and driftwood are used as fuel instead, and pottery is fired in pit kilns or open-air firing.