Bizen Hidasuki Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artisan who created many masterpieces with peerless, god-like skills. Toshu Yamamoto also reached a unique level of mastery with his *hidasuki* (fire-cord) technique, famous for the light and vivid fire-cord patterns that strike across his characteristically strong white clay bodies. The potting on this piece, executed with the maturity of his later years, is grand and exudes a sense of confidence. The fire-cord pattern, which deepens in intensity toward the center, is a magnificent work that evokes the image of flames. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.9cm x Diameter 6.9cm x Height 6.0cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his skills under the tutelage of Kyoto potter Yaichi Kusube. 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 wheel-throwing technique, he produced delicate works and actively pursued the creation of tea ceramics—primarily tea caddies—establishing his position as a master craftsman of tea wares. He had a particular fondness for tea caddies, many of which he crafted himself. In 1987, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Property). In 1992, he held the exhibition "Travels of the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto Exhibition."
Major awards: Okayama Prefectural 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