Bizen Houhin

This is a Bizen houhin (teapot) from an earlier period by Intangible Cultural Property holder Yuichi Yamamoto, son of the legendary master craftsman Toshu Yamamoto. A ceramic biography dated around 2006 is included, suggesting it was created around that time. The precise and refined wheel-throwing technique characteristic of the Yamamoto family is a perfect match for crafting houhin, and the fluid, graceful form resulting from his wheel work is a joy to behold. The piece itself is quite large for a houhin, and paired with the clean, precise wheel work, it exudes a powerful presence; despite being a houhin, it possesses a stateliness and boldness reminiscent of a tea bowl or tea caddy. When the lid is aligned with the kiln-change (yohen) mark, it fits with machine-like precision, yet the throwing process shows almost no visible wheel lines, a testament to his astonishing speed and unwavering confidence. The pure, cloud-like sangiri (kiln-effect) typical of the Yamamoto school and the gold coloring applied directly to the clay surface are exceptionally beautiful, evoking the scenery of a sky after the rain. (Please note that while there are no signs of use or dirt, this is an earlier work.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter including spout 10.8cm × Diameter 9.3cm × Height including lid 10.0cm Yuichi Yamamoto is the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto and entered the world of pottery under his father in 1959. In 1968, he became the first to introduce a gas kiln for Bizen ware. With a scientific and inquisitive mind, he researched ways to turn Hidasuki—a technique often left to chance—into an intentional design. He devised the "Himon" and "Hisai" techniques, using concentrated rice straw extract like paint to draw flowers and patterns directly onto the unglazed surface. 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 guide for makers, "Bizen Ware Techniques: Tradition and Creation." In 1996, he won the Tanabe Museum Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition and was designated an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder the same year.
Awards: Numerous honors 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 Arts Exhibition Grand Prize. Served as a judge for prefectural exhibitions.
Affiliations: Japan Kōgei Association, Bizen Ware Toshinkai, Bigeikai, Gengakai, Kunpukai