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 elegant sake vessel by 74th Generation Asahi Hosai reflects the refined sensibility and restrained beauty associated with the historic tradition of Asahi ware. Raised on a tall, balanced foot, the form recalls classical tea ceramics while maintaining a quiet modern presence suited to both display and use.

The vessel is finished in a luminous benikase glaze, enriched by flowing hakeme brushwork in soft pink and cream tones. Delicate tonal gradations and subtle mottled surface effects create a sense of warmth and depth, while the creamy clay body and finely controlled proportions demonstrate the artist’s mastery of traditional Kyoto ceramic aesthetics. The characteristic reddish blushes and finely speckled “kase” surface are achieved through the distinctive raw-glaze firing methods associated with Asahi ware.

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

Dimensions

4.7cm(h) x 6.2cm(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.