Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen tokkuri (sake bottle) is the work of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with peerless, god-like techniques. It features an early-style "Ma" seal in a triangle, suggesting it dates from the artist's middle period. The craftsmanship is impeccably balanced and perfectly symmetrical, showcasing the remarkably mature wheel-work that one would expect from a master of his stature, even at this stage of his career. It exhibits a rich, thoroughly fired kiln transformation (yohen), with deep, dark *kumadori* (shading) and subtle flashes of scarlet emerging in the lighter areas—all of which are the true hallmarks of Bizen kiln-altered ware. On the side that likely faced away from the embers, there is a greenish *goma* (sesame ash glaze) typical of Yamamoto's work, providing an elegant, soft accent to the precise form and tightly fired surface. Original wooden box (shihōzan style)
Rim 3.0cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Body diameter 8.8cm x Height 12.5cm; Capacity approx. 470cc 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 refined his skills under the tutelage of Kyoto-based ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. Following the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Rokuro no Toshu" (Toshu of the Potter's Wheel) for his exceptional wheel techniques, he created delicate works and passionately engaged in the production of tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies (cha-ire), establishing his reputation as a master craftsman of tea wares. He had a particular fondness for tea caddies, of which he produced many. He was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "A Journey of the Six Old 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, Gold Rays with Rosette, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City