{"product_id":"p6812","title":"Bizen ware flower vase","description":"This Bizen flower vase was created by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, whose peerless, masterful techniques—often described as \"god-like\"—led to the creation of many distinguished works.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece bears a ceramic seal from his later years, after he had begun his career as a simple artisan, navigated a tumultuous era, and been designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe perfectly symmetrical, highly refined form is a delight to behold, characteristic of a master who spent his entire life working at the potter's wheel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile studying antique Bizen cylindrical vases, Yamamoto incorporated his own signature style into this piece, achieving a harmony between the profound weight typical of Bizen ware and the sharpness achieved through expert wheelwork.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe continuous construction, transitioning from the band-like wheel marks to a base resembling the stump of a giant tree, exudes a sense of gravitas as if the vase were taking root the moment it is set down.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe firing, which reflects a strong consciousness of antique Bizen, features a complex combination of *goma* (sesame ash glaze), *sangiri* (reduction-fired grey), and *haikaburi* (ash-covered) effects; the \"gaps\" in the glaze on the front and back serve as the perfect finishing touch to a magnificent composition.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 12.2cm x 12.0cm x Height 24.0cm\n\nToshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Inbe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nLater, he refined his ceramic skills under the tutelage of Kyoto-based potter 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 possessed exceptional skill on the potter's wheel and favored the creation of delicate, symmetrical works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly dedicated to the production of tea caddies, establishing his status as a master craftsman of tea ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1987, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1992, the exhibition \"Journey to the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto\" was held. \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":46618063831137,"sku":"6812","price":220000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6812.jpg?v=1790231870","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6812","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}