Bizen ware teacup

This Bizen tea cup is the work of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with unrivaled, god-like technical skill. Yamamoto established a unique style for his *hidasuki* (fire-cord) technique, famous for its vivid, airy markings that stand out against a stark white clay body. This piece is no exception, featuring soft, ethereal *tasuki* markings that perfectly match its surprisingly thin construction, creating an impressively elegant aesthetic. It is light and airy, with a rim that is exceptionally thin—feeling as soft as a feather against the lips—yet it possesses a solid center of gravity that makes it remarkably stable. It is the very epitome of masterly skill on the potter’s wheel. Original signed wooden box (two-way crossbar construction)
Diameter 7.7cm × 7.4cm × Height 7.2cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Inbe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later studied under the Kyoto ceramic artist 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" for his superior throwing skills, he created delicate works and ambitiously engaged in the production of tea ceramics, particularly tea caddies, establishing his reputation as a master craftsman of tea wares. He was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey of the Six Ancient 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 Distinguished Service Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City