Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artisan known for his peerless, god-like technical skills and the creation of numerous masterpieces. This sake cup features a potter’s mark from his later years, after he had navigated a turbulent era to be certified as a Living National Treasure—a long journey from the start of his career as a craftsman. The perfectly symmetrical, refined form is a pleasure to behold, reflecting the mastery of a man who spent his entire life dedicated to the potter's wheel. It was fired in an electronically controlled gas kiln, co-developed with his son Yuichi, allowing for precise temperature regulation that results in a unique, translucent white clay body distinct from other electric-kiln-fired *hidasuki* (fire-cord) ware. The cup’s exquisite, comfortable weight, despite its precise wheel-thrown form, and the unadorned, straightforward trimming of the foot—which almost feels artlessly honest—truly reveal Toshu’s uncompromising artisan spirit. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.5cm × Diameter 6.5cm × Height 5.3cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Imbe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his skills under the tutelage of Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Renowned as "Toshu of the Potter’s Wheel" for his exceptional technique and delicate works, he established his reputation as a master of tea ceramics, working ambitiously on tea wares with a particular focus on *cha-ire* (tea caddies), which he favored and produced in large numbers. He was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "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, 4th Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City