Bizen Tokkuri

This is a Bizen sake bottle by Intangible Cultural Property holder Yuichi Yamamoto, son of the master craftsman and legendary potter Toshu Yamamoto. It maintains the precise, symmetrical aesthetic beauty characteristic of Yamamoto Bizen, with a sharp and spirited wheel-thrown form that maximizes this style. The vibrant gold coloration, which could be called his specialty, is beautifully accentuated by the sesame-flecked *sangiri* (dark firing) effect. The body has a comfortable fullness and a neck that makes it easy to hold and use, though it would also serve beautifully as a flower vase.

Signed wooden box (two-way cross-bar lid)
Rim 2.8 cm × Body diameter 8.9 cm × Body diameter 8.9 cm × Height 12.5 cm; Capacity approx. 250 ml

Yuichi Yamamoto is the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto and began his pottery career under his father in 1959. In 1968, he became the first to introduce a gas kiln for Bizen ware. Driven by an enthusiastic scientific spirit of inquiry, he researched methods to create *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterns—which often rely on chance—as intentional designs. He devised the "Himon" and "Hisai" techniques, creating artificial *hidasuki* by using an extract made from boiled rice straw like paint to draw flowers and patterns onto the clay. He produces a wide range of works, including flower vases, tea utensils, jars, and large bowls. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1967. In 1995, he published an introductory book for makers titled "Techniques of Bizen Ware: Tradition and Creation." In 1996, he received the Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition and was certified as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder.
Awards: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Art and Culture Merit Award, Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition Grand Prize, and many others / Prefectural Exhibition Judge
Affiliations: Japan Kōgei Association, Bizen-yaki Toshinkai, Bigeikai, Gengakai, Kunpukai This is a Bizen sake bottle by Intangible Cultural Property holder Yuichi Yamamoto, son of the master craftsman and legendary potter Toshu Yamamoto. It maintains the precise, symmetrical aesthetic beauty characteristic of Yamamoto Bizen, with a sharp and spirited wheel-thrown form that maximizes this style. The vibrant gold coloration, which could be called his specialty, is beautifully accentuated by the sesame-flecked *sangiri* (dark firing) effect. The body has a comfortable fullness and a neck that makes it easy to hold and use, though it would also serve beautifully as a flower vase.
*There is a very small chip on the rim. There is a sticker attached to the side of the box.
Signed wooden box (two-way cross-bar lid)
Rim 2.8 cm × Body diameter 8.9 cm × Body diameter 8.9 cm × Height 12.5 cm; Capacity approx. 250 ml
Yuichi Yamamoto is the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto and began his pottery career under his father in 1959. In 1968, he became the first to introduce a gas kiln for Bizen ware. Driven by an enthusiastic scientific spirit of inquiry, he researched methods to create *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterns—which often rely on chance—as intentional designs. He devised the "Himon" and "Hisai" techniques, creating artificial *hidasuki* by using an extract made from boiled rice straw like paint to draw flowers and patterns onto the clay. He produces a wide range of works, including flower vases, tea utensils, jars, and large bowls. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1967. In 1995, he published an introductory book for makers titled "Techniques of Bizen Ware: Tradition and Creation." In 1996, he received the Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition and was certified as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder.
Awards: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Art and Culture Merit Award, Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition Grand Prize, and many others / Prefectural Exhibition Judge
Affiliations: Japan Kōgei Association, Bizen-yaki Toshinkai, Bigeikai, Gengakai, Kunpukai