Bizen sake bottle

This is a Bizen sake flask by Yuichi Yamamoto, a holder of Intangible Cultural Property, son of the master craftsman Toshu Yamamoto, who possessed god-like skills. It perfectly captures the characteristics of Yamamoto Bizen, featuring a refined form and a beautiful "goma" (sesame) glaze. The abundance of yellow goma covering the front makes it instantly recognizable as a Yamamoto Bizen piece, with a unique, gold-like luster flowing generously from the shoulder. Complementing this, the clay surface displays subtle traces of gold and silver hues, with areas around the base that shimmer with a blue-silver light depending on the angle. In terms of form, it embodies the ultimate simplicity typical of the Yamamoto family, featuring a straight, wheel-thrown silhouette devoid of any unnecessary flourishes. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Rim diameter 3.3cm × Body diameter 9.3cm × Body diameter 9.3cm × Height 14.1cm　Capacity approx. 500cc Yuichi Yamamoto is the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto and began his path in ceramics under his father in 1959. In 1968, he became the first to introduce a gas kiln to Bizen ware. With a scientific and inquisitive mind, he researched methods to turn "hidasuki" (fire-cord) patterns—which often rely on chance—into intentional designs. He devised the "Himon" and "Hisai" techniques, using an extract boiled down from rice straw like paint to create artificial hidasuki patterns, flowers, and designs on the clay body. He produces a wide range of works, including vases, tea utensils, jars, and large bowls. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1967. In 1995, he published an introductory book for creators titled "Techniques of Bizen Ware: Tradition and Creation." In 1996, he won the Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition. That same year, he was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property.
Awards: Recipient of numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Arts and Culture Merit Award, and the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition Grand Prize, among others / Served as a judge for prefectural exhibitions
Affiliations: Japan Kōgei Association, Bizen-yaki Tōshin-kai, Bigei-kai, Genga-kai, Kunpu-kai