24119 Living National Treasure Kaneshige Toyo (Bizen Shuten (Kosukeshiki))

Height 6.1cm Diameter 7.0cm

This Bizen sake cup was made by Kaneshige Toyo, the first Living National Treasure and the great founder of the Bizen ware revival. He was the first Bizen ware potter to be appointed a Living National Treasure. He is known as the "founder of the Bizen ware revival" for successfully reviving Bizen ware, which had lost popularity since the mid-Edo period due to being overshadowed by Imari ware and Kutani ware. Not only was he an excellent potter himself, but he also trained many apprentices, from whom one after another became Living National Treasures, making his contributions to the history of Bizen ware immeasurable. It is a beautifully made item.