{"product_id":"p5737","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This is a Bizen sake bottle by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist who created many masterpieces with unparalleled, god-like technical skill. It bears the early-version \"ma\" triangle potter's mark, suggesting it dates from his middle period. The piece features a perfectly symmetrical and undistorted form, and even for a work from his middle period, the highly mature wheel-thrown technique is nothing short of masterful. It is crafted from high-quality clay with low iron content, allowing one to enjoy the two-tone earth palette of bluish-grey and light caramel brown. In the style of Old Bizen, it was fired by wrapping it in straw and placing it directly in the flame, resulting in an intriguing kiln transformation where sesame glaze (goma) and fire-cord markings (hidasuki) blend together. A hallmark of Yamamoto's sake bottles is their small neck and large body, and this piece is particularly bulbous, giving it a charming, daruma-like appearance.\n\nSigned paulownia wood box (shiho-zan construction)\u003cbr\u003e\nRim 2.9cm x Body diameter 9.1cm x 9.1cm x Height 12.0cm Capacity: approx. 380cc\n\nToshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Inbe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his skills under the tutelage of Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as \"Toshu of the Potter's Wheel\" for his superior wheel-throwing technique and delicate craftsmanship, he ambitiously engaged in the creation of tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies (cha-ire), establishing his position as a master craftsman of tea pottery. He had a particular fondness for tea caddies and produced many. In 1987, he was designated as a Living National Treasure (Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Property). In 1992, he held the \"Journey of the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto Exhibition.\"\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards: Okayama Prefectural 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, 4th Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City","brand":"山本陶秀","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618006356065,"sku":"5737","price":130000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5737.jpg?v=1790231034","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p5737","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}