Bizen Incense Burner

This is a Bizen incense burner by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artisan of peerless, masterful skill who created numerous masterpieces. This is not a work from his younger years when he focused on decorative crafts, but a rare piece created after he was designated a Living National Treasure. The openwork chrysanthemum design, placed off-center rather than straight on, evokes a sense of nostalgia for the artist's youth spent in disciplined study. The tripod base, attached separately from the foot ring, is unique and charming. (Please note that there is some kiln-firing adhesion on the contact surface between the lid and the body.) Certified by Yuichi (with four-way tenon box)
Diameter 8.3cm x Diameter 8.2cm x Height 10.3cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his techniques under Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Potter's Wheel Toshu" for his exceptional skill on the wheel, he created delicate works and established his status as a master of tea ceramics, working ambitiously on tea bowls and especially tea caddies, which he favored and produced in large numbers. He was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 1987. In 1992, he held the "Travels of the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto Exhibition."
Major Awards: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Miki Memorial Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Mainichi Art Award, Bizen City Distinguished Service Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City