{"product_id":"p6187","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist who created many masterpieces using peerless, masterful techniques often described as \"godly.\"\u003cbr\u003e\nThis work dates from his middle period, when he was steadily expanding his range of activities as a Bizen ceramic artist after starting his career as a craftsman.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe perfectly symmetrical, highly refined form—typical of a master who spent his entire life facing the potter's wheel—is a pleasure to behold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired in a climbing kiln inside a sagger along with other pieces, various changes have occurred due to the subtle infiltration of smoke.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile Toshu is known for his *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterns on the strong white clay bodies achieved through gas kiln firing, this piece possesses the charming impurities and cloudiness characteristic of a climbing kiln firing, with the white clay body shifting into various shades of caramel brown and amber.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, the smoke has affected not only the clay body but also the *hidasuki*, where, in combination with the wrapping straw and the firing process, parts of it have transformed into thread-like *gomagoma* resembling leaf veins.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.6cm × 6.6cm × Height 5.4cm\n\nToshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Imbe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe later refined his ceramic skills under the tutelage of Kyoto-based ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter the war, he deepened his friendships with artists such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nKnown as \"Toshu of the Wheel,\" he excelled in wheel-throwing techniques and preferred to create delicate, symmetrical works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly dedicated to the production of tea caddies (*cha-ire*), establishing his reputation as a master of tea ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1987, he was designated a Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1992, he held the exhibition \"Journey of the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto Exhibition.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors include: 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, 4th Class, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.","brand":"山本陶秀","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618038009953,"sku":"6187","price":50000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6187.jpg?v=1790231336","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6187","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}