Bizen ware teacup

This is a Bizen tea cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with incomparable, god-like techniques. It is a work where the brilliant scarlet of the *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern against the white base stands out with dazzling clarity. The piece is exceptionally thin, clearly demonstrating how the smooth clay was meticulously and swiftly thrown on the potter's wheel. If you have ever held a Bizen tea cup before, the sharpness of the rim when pinched with your fingers will feel remarkably distinctive. The rich, bold, and powerful lines of the *hidasuki* feature a flaming, vivid scarlet gradation, characteristic of Yamamoto, who captivated many tea masters with his magnificent fire-cord patterns. The potter's mark on the left shoulder is the "Ma" character, which he used in his later years. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 8.0cm x Diameter 7.7cm x Height 7.8cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later studied under Kyoto potter Yaichi Kusube to refine his skills. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Toshu of the Potter's Wheel," he was renowned for his superb throwing technique and delicate works. He worked energetically on tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies, establishing his position as a master artisan. He had a particular fondness for tea caddies and produced many. In 1987, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1992, the exhibition "Journey to the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto" was held.
Major awards: 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, Gold Rays with Rosette, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City