Kaneshige Tōyō (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 laying horizontally on the kiln's floor, where the temperature and ash circulation has its highest impact. Naturally, only very few pieces survive that process but eventually could bring some of the most fantastic firing effects into life (the so called "kiln mutations"). Significant characteristics of korogashi pieces are clear glass-like ash traces running horizontally over the vessel's wall, reserve pattern, left by the firing support, which prevent the piece form sticking to the kiln's floor, and dark, rough and crusty surface on the vessel's back wall.

Tōyō, born 1896 in Inbe, Bizen, is generally acknowledged as founder of the 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 founding member of Nihon Kōgeikai (Japanese Craft Society) and for his work, Tōyō was awarded the highest official title of a Living National Treasure and the Medal of Honor (hōshō) with Purple Ribbon by the emperor in the same year 1956. He worked together with Bernard Leach and other international potters. After his death in 1967, he was additionally awarded posthumously the Order of the Rising Sun. Until today, the Kaneshige Tōyō Price is given only to the best potters in Japan to commemorate him.      

The vase is signed underneath with Tōyō's potter mark 'to' ト. The fitted 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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