Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is by the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yuichi Yamamoto, son of the master craftsman Toshu Yamamoto, known for his god-like skills. This is a recent work that beautifully expresses the characteristic style of the Yamamoto family in both form and firing. The abundant yellow "goma" (sesame glaze) on the front makes it instantly recognizable as Yamamoto Bizen, with a magnificent golden flow of glaze that looks as if gold dust has been baked into the surface. It also features black "goma," another signature of his work; the overlapping scenery of gold and black conveys an exceptional sense of luxury. The form also exhibits his distinct style, featuring a straight, wheel-thrown shape with an ultimate simplicity that eliminates any unnecessary flourishes. The rim is thinly turned and smoothed by the glaze, providing a feel similar to a thin glass when in use. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 6.2cm x Diameter 6.2cm x Height 5.7cm 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 for Bizen ware. With an inquisitive scientific mind, he researched methods to create "hidasuki" (fire-cord) patterns—which often rely on chance—as intentional designs. He devised the "Himon" and "Hisai" techniques, which involve using an extract made from boiled rice straw like paint to draw flowers and patterns onto the clay body to create artificial hidasuki. He produces a wide range of works, including vases, tea utensils, jars, and large bowls. In 1967, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 1995, he published the instructional book for makers, "Bizen-yaki no Gihō: Dentō to Sōzō" (Techniques of Bizen Ware: Tradition and Creation). In 1996, he received the Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition and was certified as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in the same year.
Awards: Numerous awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Art and Culture Merit Award, and the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition Grand Prize / Served as a judge for prefectural exhibitions.
Affiliations: Japan Kōgei Association, Bizen-yaki Tōshinkai, Bigeikai, Gengakai, Kunpūkai