Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with unparalleled, god-like techniques. This cup bears the potter's mark used during his later years, after he had been designated a Living National Treasure following a turbulent era that began when he first started his career as a craftsman. The perfectly symmetrical and exceptionally refined form, characteristic of a master who spent his entire life facing the potter's wheel, is a pleasure to behold. It was fired in an electronically controlled gas kiln, co-developed with his son Yuichi, allowing for precise temperature regulation that results in a clay quality characterized by a strong, translucent whiteness, distinct from other electric-kiln-fired *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pieces. The sash-like *hidasuki* marking changes into a white glaze known as *bidoro* in various places, serving as an accent. Signed box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.7cm x Diameter 6.7cm x Height 5.5cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Imbe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later polished his skills under the guidance of Kyoto potter Yaichi Kusube. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Rokuro no Toshu" (Toshu of the Potter's Wheel) for his exceptional wheel skills, he created delicate works and actively engaged in the production of tea ceramics—primarily tea caddies—establishing his position as a master craftsman of tea pottery. He particularly favored tea caddies and produced many. He was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1987. In 1992, the exhibition "Journey of the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto" was held.
Major awards: Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, Miki Memorial Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Culture Award, Mainichi Art Award, Bizen City Distinguished Service Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City