Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is by the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yuichi Yamamoto, son of the master craftsman Toshu Yamamoto, who was known for his god-like skills. Made from clay with a low iron content, this sake cup has an incredibly smooth texture. Due to the nature of the clay, the *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings are exceptionally delicate and vibrant, creating a scene where the characteristic flamboyance and ephemeral beauty of *hidasuki* coexist. The rim is thin and subtly constricted, which enhances the drinking experience. Original signed box (shiho-zan)
Diameter 6.1cm × Diameter 6.1cm × Height 5.3cm Yuichi Yamamoto was the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto and began his path in ceramics under his father in 1959. In 1968, he became the first to introduce a gas kiln for Bizen ware. Driven by his love for science and a vigorous spirit of inquiry, he researched ways to turn *hidasuki*—a process often left to chance—into an intentional design. He devised the "Himon" and "Hisai" techniques, artificial *hidasuki* methods in which he uses extracts boiled down from rice straw like paint to draw flowers and patterns on 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 the introductory guide for creators, "Techniques of Bizen Ware: Tradition and Creation." In 1996, he won the Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition. That same year, he was certified as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder.
Awards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Sanyo Shimbun Art and Culture Merit Award, Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition Grand Prize, and many others / Prefectural Exhibition Juror
Affiliations: Japan Kōgei Association, Bizen-yaki Toshinkai, Bigeikai, Gengakai, Kunpukai