Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen sake bottle is by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist whose peerless, masterful techniques and numerous masterpieces earned him legendary status. It bears the "Ma" ceramic seal from his final years, indicating it was created after his designation as a Living National Treasure. The surface features the distinct, whitish clay characteristic of Yamamoto’s work, accented by vivid, brilliant *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings. The small, shallot-shaped body and elegant silhouette give it a refined presence, making it a profound piece that one never tires of using, even daily. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Rim 3.6cm × Body diameter 9.0cm × Body diameter 8.9cm × Height 13.3cm; Capacity approx. 260cc Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Imbe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his skills under Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. Following 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 throwing skills, he created delicate works and ambitiously focused on tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies, establishing himself as a master of the craft. He was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey of the Six Ancient 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 Distinguished Service Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City