Bizen Hohin

This is a Bizen houhin (side-handled teapot) by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artisan renowned for creating numerous masterpieces with peerless, god-like techniques. The refined form, achieved through his legendary potter's wheel skills, is so masterful that simply gazing at it is invigorating. The base is also pleasantly crisp, with its slightly wide construction providing a sense of stability and strength. The entire piece, including the lid, features a striking half-and-half *kase* (dry) kiln-change effect, further enhanced by beautiful splashes of scarlet (*hi-iro*), resulting in an exquisite aesthetic. Signed wooden storage box (two-directional slats)
Diameter 8.2cm × Diameter 7.5cm × Height 7.5cm 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 Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube to refine his skills. After the war, he deepened his friendships with artists such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. He was so adept at the potter's wheel that he was nicknamed "Rokuro no Toshu" (Toshu of the Wheel), producing delicate works and working ambitiously on tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies (*cha-ire*), which established his status as a master of tea ware. He had a particular fondness for tea caddies and produced many. He was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "Six Ancient Kilns Tour: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto."
Major awards include: 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, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.