{"product_id":"p4998","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This Bizen sake flask is the work of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master craftsman who created numerous masterpieces with peerless skills often described as god-like. It bears the \"Ma\" ceramic seal used by Toshu in his later years, showcasing the mature technique characteristic of a master of the potter's wheel. The combination of a perfectly symmetrical, rounded body and a delicate mouth rim is unmistakable as a work by Toshu, even without any special embellishments. The base features the rich, deep purple-red hue of Bizen clay, overlaid with a veil of black and yellow sesame-like ash glaze, resulting in a dense and powerful firing. The raised, charred sesame-like spots are elegantly rustic, serving as a spontaneous beauty born of fire that contrasts with the tranquil and sharp form of the piece. Despite its substantial size, it feels light in the hand, a testament to the undiminished brilliance of his wheel work even in his later years.\n\nOriginal signed wooden box (shiho-zan) with lid.\u003cbr\u003e\nRim 3.4cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Body diameter 8.8cm x Height 13.6cm. Capacity approx. 420cc.\n\nToshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his craft under the guidance of Kyoto potter 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 skills, he created delicate works and dedicated himself to the production of tea ceramics, particularly tea caddies, establishing his reputation as a master of tea ware. In 1987, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property). In 1992, he held the exhibition \"Journey to the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto.\" \u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors include: 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.","brand":"山本陶秀","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618667417697,"sku":"4998","price":240000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/4998.jpg?v=1790239727","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p4998","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}