Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Tadashi Yoshimoto, a devoted pupil of the Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara, who carries on his philosophy and artistic style. At a single glance, one can immediately identify the hand of Yoshimoto-sensei, and the work is so deeply imbued with the "Fujiwaraism" that one can even sense the presence of his revered mentor, Kei Fujiwara. The incredibly fine *kase-goma* (matte sesame glaze) requires exquisite temperature control, and its magnificent coloration is surely the fruit of many years of study and dedication. The interior features the hallmark "beautiful clear spot" (*nuke*), which will delight the viewer like a moon at the bottom of a lake during a sake gathering. (Please note that the *kase-goma* appears to be partially peeling in some areas, but this is considered one of the characteristic charms of Bizen ware.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 7.8cm × Diameter 7.3cm × Height 5.7cm Tadashi Yoshimoto became a live-in apprentice to the Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara in 1964, studying under him for 19 years until Fujiwara-sensei’s passing. In 1975, he built his own kiln in Shizutani, Bizen City, and became independent. His debut kiln firing saw him selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition, and the East Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and in 1986 he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. He boasts an outstanding exhibition record, including selections and awards at the Okayama Prefectural Exhibition, East Chugoku Branch Exhibition, Tōshinkai Exhibition, Chunichi International Ceramics Exhibition, Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Ceramic Art Biennale, and the Yakishime Pottery Open Exhibition. He has also been active in holding solo exhibitions since 1977 at department stores in Okayama, Fukuyama, Mihara, Hiroshima, Tottori, Yonago, Kumamoto, Himeji, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and elsewhere, all of which have met with great acclaim. In 1988, he was honored with the Kaneshige Toyo Prize. In 2007, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture.