Bizen tea cup

This Bizen tea cup is by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist who created many masterpieces using incomparable, god-like techniques. Formed using his exceptional potter's wheel skills and fired with meticulous temperature control, this piece features a thin, supple, and stately form. The rim, in particular, is turned so thinly that it is hard to believe human hands could work clay to such a degree. Despite its thin, refined construction, it does not feel overly light; by adding a certain thickness to areas other than the rim, he has ensured excellent heat regulation and stability. The distinctively white, high-quality clay that is a hallmark of Yamamoto’s work conveys a sense of purity, beautifully complemented by the vibrant *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings. Within the *hidasuki*, there are spots where the iron content has erupted, hardening into hues resembling iron glaze. Signed box (shiho-zan)
Diameter 8.1cm × Diameter 8.0cm × Height 8.3cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later polished his skills under Kyoto 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 Potter's Wheel" for his superior wheel techniques and delicate works, he also pursued the creation of tea ceramics with great ambition, establishing his status as a master craftsman of tea pottery, with a particular focus on *cha-ire* (tea caddies). In 1987, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property. 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 Distinguished Service Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.