Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist renowned for his peerless, god-like technical mastery and the creation of numerous masterpieces. This sake cup features the seal used during his later years, after he had been designated a Living National Treasure following a turbulent career that began as a humble craftsman. The perfectly symmetrical, refined form reflects the expertise of a master who spent his entire life dedicated to the potter's wheel, and it is a pleasure to behold. The cup exhibits a characteristic greenish-hued sesame glaze (goma), further enhanced by scorching from the firing process, which lends it an indescribable, refined austerity. Similar rustic sesame glazing has rolled into the interior, forming a textured kiln-change (yohen) alongside the fire marks (sangiri) left by glowing embers during firing. Drinking from this area agitates the sake, allowing for a comparison of flavors against the smoother clay portions of the vessel. Naturally, the exposed clay surface features a faint golden sheen, providing a moist texture that contrasts beautifully with the austerity of the sesame glaze. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.1cm × Diameter 7.0cm × Height 6.0cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Imbe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his skills under the tutelage of Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. After the war, he deepened his friendships with artists such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Toshu of the Wheel" for his exceptional throwing technique, he created delicate works and passionately pursued the production of tea ceramics, particularly tea caddies (cha-ire), establishing his reputation as a master of the craft. In 1987, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure). In 1992, he held the exhibition "Travels Through the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto."
Major awards include: 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, Fourth Class, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.