{"product_id":"p6810","title":"Bizen tea cup","description":"This is a Bizen tea cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with peerless, god-like technical skills.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis tea cup features the potter's seal from the later years of his life, after he had begun his career as a craftsman and, having navigated turbulent times, was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFormed using his exceptional wheel-throwing technique and fired under strictly controlled temperatures, the cup is crafted with a thin, supple, yet imposing and dignified form.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nI am particularly impressed by the rim, which is finished to a startling thinness—a magnificent feat of wheel-work that shows no fear of breakage.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite its thin and elegant form, the cup is not overly light; by maintaining a certain thickness in areas other than the rim, the artist has ensured excellent heat regulation and stability.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe strong, white-toned clay, a hallmark of Toshu's work, imparts a sense of purity, beautifully complemented by the vibrant *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings that create a stunning visual landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe vivid *hidasuki* creates beautiful gradations that one can gaze upon endlessly without ever growing tired of them.\n\nSigned wooden box (shihozan) included.\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 8.0cm x 8.0cm x Height 8.3cm\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 studied under the Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube to refine his skills.\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\nRenowned as \"Toshu of the Potter's Wheel,\" he excelled in wheel-throwing techniques and preferred creating delicate, symmetrical works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly dedicated to the production of *cha-ire* (tea caddies), establishing his position as a master of tea ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1987, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1992, the exhibition \"Journey of the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto\" was held.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards include the 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, Fourth Class, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.","brand":"山本陶秀","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618063798369,"sku":"6810","price":50000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6810.jpg?v=1790231868","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6810","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}