{"product_id":"p6054","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is an earlier Bizen sake cup by Intangible Cultural Property holder Yuichi Yamamoto, son of the legendary master craftsman Toshu Yamamoto.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPurchased directly from Yuichi Yamamoto himself around 2006 during a kiln opening, this sake cup features intense firing that appears to prefigure his current \"Yusai-Kuro\" (Yu-colored black) series.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTrue to Yamamoto's signature style of using not only split red pine but also miscellaneous wood, the piece displays magnificent, voluminous flowing ash glaze containing shades of blue and green, interspersed with yellow sesame glaze that sparkles like gold dust.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, the uppermost layer of these kiln changes features powerful, distinct streaks of scorched ash glaze, creating a stunning, three-layered landscape of colors that captivates the viewer.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe clay surface, also subjected to intense flames, reveals a natural black that could be called the origin of \"Yusai-Kuro.\" This black, which seems to seep out from within, lends the piece an aesthetic reminiscent of antique Bizen Ibe-te ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe form has also been profoundly affected by the fierce firing; while it originally possessed the symmetrical, near-perfect circular shape typical of Yamamoto-style Bizen, the heat has caused it to gently distort. It is fascinating to see how the work transcends the potter's wheel—a core theme of Yamamoto Bizen—to engage directly with the flames.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an unused piece, kept carefully in its original packaging since being purchased new and never opened.\n\nIncludes signed wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.7cm x 6.6cm, Height 6.2cm\n\nYuichi Yamamoto was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1935 as the eldest son of Toshu Yamamoto.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe began his path in ceramics in 1959 under his father, Toshu.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1968, he became the first in Bizen pottery to introduce a gas kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1967.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1995, he published an introductory book for creators titled \"Techniques of Bizen Pottery: Tradition and Creation.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1996, he received the Grand Prize at the \"Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition\" held at the Tanabe Art Museum.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThat same year, he was designated as a holder of an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDriven by scientific inquiry, Yuichi Yamamoto conducted research to intentionally recreate the highly accidental \"Hidasuki\" (fire-cord) patterns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe devised the \"Himon\" and \"Hisai\" techniques, which involve using extract boiled from rice straw like paint to draw flowers and patterns onto the clay body to create artificial Hidasuki.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe produces a wide range of works, focusing primarily on vases and tea utensils, but also including jars and large bowls.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Arts and Culture Merit Award, Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition Grand Prize, and many others \/ Prefectural Exhibition Juror\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAffiliations: Japan Kōgei Association, Bizen-yaki Toshinkai, Bigeikai, Gengakai, Kunpukai","brand":"山本雄一","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618026836065,"sku":"6054","price":55000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6054.jpg?v=1790231247","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6054","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}