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 cup features the potter's mark used during his later years, after he had lived through tumultuous times and been designated a Living National Treasure following a career that began as a humble artisan. The perfectly symmetrical and highly refined form, characteristic of a master who dedicated his life to the potter's wheel, is a pleasure to behold. The interior features wheel marks resembling the Naruto whirlpools; these powerful swirls evoke the speed and precision of a master's hands. The piece as a whole is quite substantial, with the clay stretched beautifully to its limit. The resulting form is lean, with an exquisite weight that is neither too heavy nor too light. The work is refined and devoid of excess, perfectly reflecting the image of the vigorous and sharp-minded Toshu himself. Original signed box (shiho-zan style)
Diameter 7.0cm x Diameter 6.6cm x Height 5.8cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Inbe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later studied under the Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube to hone his skills. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Often called "Toshu of the Potter's Wheel" for his superior technique, he created delicate works and proactively produced tea ceramics, particularly tea caddies, establishing his status as a master of tea ware. He was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "The Journey of the Six Old 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