Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist known for his peerless, god-like mastery and the creation of numerous masterpieces. It is a work from his later years bearing the "Ma" ceramic seal, featuring the clean, minimalist, and perfectly balanced form characteristic of his style, which is a pleasure to behold. It has been fired exceptionally well, to the point where parts of the clay surface are blistered like yuzu peel. In keeping with this, the piece displays many of the firing characteristics typical of his later period: matte black and yellow goma (sesame ash glaze), a pure white and smooth sangiri (smoky) finish reminiscent of fish skin, and orange metallic luster that shines like copper, all of which delight the eye. Signed paulownia wood box (shihō-san) with certificate
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 5.4cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Inbe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his skills under the guidance of Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. After the war, he deepened his friendships with artists such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Toshu of the Potter's Wheel" for his superior throwing technique, he produced delicate works and ambitiously engaged in the creation of tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies, establishing himself as a master craftsman. He had a particular affinity for tea caddies, of which he created many. In 1987, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property). In 1992, he held the exhibition "Travels of the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto."
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.