Bizen sake bottle

This is a Bizen sake bottle by Intangible Cultural Property holder Yuichi Yamamoto, son of the master craftsman Toshu Yamamoto, who possessed god-like skills. It is a sake bottle that beautifully inherits the Yamamoto Bizen style established by his father, Toshu, and achieves the pinnacle of symmetrical, well-proportioned form. The back features a heavy flow of *goma* (ash glaze) earned from its baptism by fire, which clashes with the *yohen* (kiln transformation)—a hallmark of Yamamoto Bizen—that has turned the entire surface black, creating a dramatic landscape. Looking at this scenery, where *goma* has accumulated to the fullest extent, one can easily imagine the potter working rapidly to feed the kiln with firewood. The *nuke* (fire-marked area) in the center reveals a silvery-white color caused by the disappearance of the clay's natural texture, testifying to the intensity of the heat, while the surrounding area displays the uniquely luminous orange clay tone with a golden hue that is also characteristic of Yamamoto Bizen, creating a striking contrast. (This piece includes a biography from around 2008 and is an earlier work, but please be aware that it shows no signs of use or dirt.) Signed wooden box (shiho-zan) with lid
Rim 3.1cm x Body diameter 9.3cm x Body diameter 9.3cm x Height 12.9cm; Capacity approx. 430cc Yuichi Yamamoto is the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto and began his path in ceramics under his father in 1959. In 1968, he was the first to introduce a gas kiln to Bizen ware. With a scientific and insatiable spirit of inquiry, he researched ways to intentionally create *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterns, which often rely on chance, as a deliberate design. He devised the techniques of "Himon" and "Hisai"—forms of artificial *hidasuki* where he used extract boiled down from rice straw like paint to draw flowers and patterns onto the clay body. He creates a wide range of works, including vases, tea utensils, jars, and large bowls. In 1967, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 1995, he published an introductory book for makers titled "Techniques of Bizen Ware: Tradition and Creation." In 1996, he won the Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition. In the same year, he was certified as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder.
Awards: Many, including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Arts and Culture Merit Award, and the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition Grand Prize / Juror for Prefectural Exhibitions
Affiliations: Japan Kōgei Association, Bizen-yaki Toshinkai, Bigeikai, Gengakai, Kunpukai