Bizen tea cup

This is a Bizen tea cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist renowned for his unparalleled, god-like technical mastery and the creation of numerous masterpieces. Formed using his exceptional potter's wheel technique and fired under meticulous temperature control, the cup possesses a refined, elegant, and imposing form that is both thin and resilient. The rim, in particular, is turned so thinly that one is left astonished that a human hand could refine clay to such a degree. A "hidasuki" (fire-cord) mark wraps around the entire vessel, allowing the user to turn the cup in their hand—as one would a tea bowl—to admire the exquisite placement of the straw. While the form is thin and well-proportioned, it does not feel overly light; the walls, excluding the rim, have been given a certain thickness to ensure stability and proper heat retention. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 8.0cm x Diameter 7.9cm x Height 8.5cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He subsequently honed his skills under the tutelage of Kyoto-based ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Toshu of the Wheel" for his superior throwing technique, he produced delicate works and worked enthusiastically on tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies (cha-ire), establishing his position as a master of tea ware. He had a particular affinity for tea caddies and produced many. In 1987, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure). In 1992, the exhibition "Journey of the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto" was held.
Major awards and honors: 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, 4th Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City