74th Generation Asahi Hosai (七十四代 朝日豊斎), Japanese (1921-2004)

A Benikase Hakeme Sake Cup(紅鹿背酒の器)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

This refined sake cup by 74th Generation Asahi Hosai displays the understated elegance and restrained beauty associated with the long tradition of Asahi ware. The compact vessel is elevated on a tall foot, creating a balanced silhouette that recalls classical tea ceramics while maintaining a distinctly modern sensibility.

The surface is finished in a soft benikase glaze, accented with delicate hakeme brushwork flowing across the bowl in gentle pink and white tones. Subtle variations in the glaze and the finely textured surface reveal the hand-crafted nature of the work, while the warm cream-colored foot provides visual contrast and stability. The simplicity of form and nuanced glaze treatment embody the quiet sophistication central to Kyoto ceramic aesthetics. The distinctive reddish spotting and softly blushed surface reflect the celebrated “kase” and “benikase” effects for which Asahi ware is particularly admired.

The piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), cloth, and documentation.

Dimensions

4.7cm(h) x 6cm(w)

Footnote

74th Generation Asahi Hosai (1921-2004), born Matsubayashi Toyohiko in Uji, Kyoto, was the eldest son of the 13th Generation Matsubayashi Kosai and hereditary head of the historic Asahi ware kiln. He succeeded to the title in 1943 and continued the refined ceramic traditions of Asahi-yaki, one of the celebrated Enshu Seven Kilns closely associated with Japanese tea culture. Known by the artistic name Yukoan (猶香庵), he developed a distinctive style characterized by elegant forms and subtle surface expression while preserving traditional techniques. His works are especially noted for their warm clay texture and delicate “gohon” blushes, including the softly pink “honoshi” and finely mottled “kase” and “benikase” effects achieved through raw glazing and firing in climbing kilns fueled with split pine wood.