Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist known for his incomparable, god-like techniques and the creation of numerous masterpieces. It features golden sesame glaze over a glossy, bluish base, perfectly capturing the quintessential blue-and-gold aesthetic of Yamamoto Bizen. The substantial form exhibits the sharpness characteristic of Toshu, who was celebrated as a master of the potter's wheel, and it has a solid, commanding presence in the hand. The purple earth tone peeks through the gaps in the sesame glaze, serving as an accent like the sky seen through clouds. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 7.3cm × Diameter 7.0cm × Height 6.1cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his skills under the guidance of Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. After the war, he deepened his friendships with artists such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Toshu of the Wheel" for his exceptional pottery wheel technique, he created delicate works and ambitiously engaged in the production of tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies, establishing his status as a master craftsman of tea wares. He had a particular fondness for tea caddies and produced many. In 1987, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Property). In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey to the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto."
Major awards: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Miki Memorial Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Mainichi Art Award, Bizen City Meritorious Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City