Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artisan who created numerous masterpieces with peerless, god-like technical skill. This piece bears the potter's mark from his later years, after he had been designated a Living National Treasure, following a career that began as a humble craftsman and navigated a tumultuous era. Its highly symmetrical and refined form is a pleasure to behold, reflecting the expertise of a master who spent his entire life facing the potter's wheel. It was fired in an electronically controlled gas kiln, co-developed with his son Yuichi, allowing for precise temperature regulation that results in a cleaner, stronger white clay texture distinct from other electric-kiln-fired *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pieces. This sharp white quality further accentuates the elegant form characteristic of Toshu. Signed wooden box (shōhōzan)
Diameter 6.7cm x Diameter 6.5cm x Height 5.4cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Inbe, 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. Known as "Toshu of the Wheel" for his superior throwing technique, he produced delicate works and established his position as a master of tea ceramics, with a particular focus on *cha-ire* (tea caddies). He was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey of the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto."
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.