Bizen sake bottle

This is a Bizen sake bottle by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with incomparable, god-like techniques. It bears the potter's mark from his later years, showcasing the skill of a master at the height of his maturity. The large body and relatively small mouth—characteristic features of Yamamoto's work—are present, and combined with the well-fired scenery, it is truly a dignified piece. The slightly greenish sesame glaze (goma) blends with beautiful aurora-like gold highlights, perfectly embodying the kiln transformation (yohen) for which Toshu Yamamoto is known. Signed wooden box by Yuichi (with four-sided cleats)
Mouth rim 3.3cm × Body diameter 8.8cm × Body diameter 8.8cm × Height 13.3cm, Capacity approx. 400cc Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Imbe, 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 artists such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Toshu of the Potter's Wheel," he was highly skilled at wheel-throwing and created delicate works; he also worked ambitiously on tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies, establishing his status as a master of tea ware. 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 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 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.