Bizen ware flower vase

This is a Bizen flower vase by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist known for his incomparable, god-like mastery and the creation of numerous masterpieces. It bears the "Ma" potter’s mark he favored from his mid-career through his later years, and based on the signature, this piece is believed to have been created during his final years. The piece features a greenish *kase-goma* (matte sesame glaze) across the surface—a hallmark of Toshu's kiln—giving the vase an atmosphere that feels as if a slice of a forest has been captured within it. In the *hima* (fire-gap) areas, natural crimson and *shiso* (perilla-leaf) colors, brought out solely by the interaction of clay and fire, blend with the aforementioned *kase-goma* to create scenery that resembles a microcosm of a grand forest, perfect for highlighting flowers. In his later years, Toshu’s traditionally dignified style began to incorporate a sense of playfulness, with spontaneous, free-spirited spatula marks adding an exquisite accent. Original box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 12.0cm × Diameter 12.0cm × Height 24.0cm 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 studied under Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube to refine his skills. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Renowned as "Toshu of the Potter's Wheel" for his superior technical skill and delicate creations, he worked ambitiously on tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies, establishing himself as a master of the craft. He had a particular fondness for tea caddies and produced many throughout his career. In 1987, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property). In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey to 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 Meritorious Service Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City