Bizen ware sake bottle

This Bizen sake bottle is by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist who created many masterpieces using peerless, miraculous techniques. Bearing the "Ma" potter's seal he used in his later years, the piece displays the mature craftsmanship of a master of the potter's wheel. The perfectly symmetrical, rounded body paired with a petite mouth rim is so quintessentially Toshu that the artist is instantly recognizable even without elaborate decoration. The refined, taut construction of the body is further elevated by the clay's golden hue, with the areas around the circular *marunuke* firing marks shimmering like metal due to the iridescent gold flashing. On the other side, the bottle features the unique golden-green *goma* (ash glaze) that was a specialty of Yamamoto Bizen; the contrast between this metallic texture and the organic, ceramic *goma* creates a truly captivating landscape. Signed wooden box (shiho-zan style)
Rim 3.5cm x Body diameter 8.9cm x Body diameter 8.8cm x Height 14.1cm; Capacity approx. 410cc 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 refined 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 Wheel" for his superior throwing technique, he created delicate works and ambitiously took on the production of tea ceramics, primarily *cha-ire* (tea caddies), establishing his status as a master of tea ware. He had a particular affinity for tea caddies and produced many. In 1987, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property). In 1992, he held the "Journey of 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 Merit Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.