Bizen-yaki by Kaneshige Sōzan Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle — Ibe Fire-Sash (Hidasuki) Effect

This charming miniature sake bottle is Bizen ware by Kaneshige Sōzan, shaped in the traditional hyotan (double-gourd) form. No glaze is applied — the warm reddish-brown “hiiro” tones and pale grey-green “ibe fire-sash” streaks come entirely from the wood-firing process, where rice straw wrapped around the piece leaves these distinctive banded scorch marks as it burns against the clay. The rounded double-bulb silhouette and narrow neck are classic to this vessel form, small enough to sit comfortably in the palm.

Details:

• Artist: Kaneshige Sōzan

• Style: Bizen-yaki (Bizen ware), Okayama Prefecture, Japan — unglazed yakishime stoneware

• Form: Hyotan (double-gourd) shaped sake bottle, narrow neck

• Surface: Natural ibe fire-sash (hidasuki) markings — warm reddish-brown with pale grey-green banding; no applied glaze

• Marking: Artist’s signature/seal (see photos)

• Condition: Good vintage/secondhand condition — natural firing marks and clay texture are inherent to the style, not damage; please see photos for any chips or wear

• Quantity: 1

• Dimensions: (L) 2.5cm x (H) 9.8cm — small enough to fit in the palm of a hand