Bizen Suiteki

This is a Bizen water dropper by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist known for his incomparable, god-like technical skill and the creation of numerous masterpieces. The piece is characterized by the meticulous, thoughtful craftsmanship typical of a master; even the separately attached spout bears fine spatula marks, reflecting Yamamoto's refined aesthetic sense.
With its charming, flattened bottle shape, it is a delight to behold even as a standalone work of art. The piece was polished across its entire surface after drying, and in combination with strong reduction firing, it features a pale, blue-Bizen-like body accented with black sesame ash glaze.
Signed wooden box by Yuichi (with four-sided cleats)
Dimensions: 5.6cm × 4.9cm (including spout) × 3.4cm height
Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Inbe, 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. In the postwar period, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Toshu of the Potter's Wheel" for his exceptional skill on the wheel, he created delicate works and ambitiously took on the production of tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies, establishing his reputation as a master craftsman of tea wares. He had a particular affinity for tea caddies, many of which he crafted himself. In 1987, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure). In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey of the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto."
Major awards: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Miki Memorial Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Culture Award, Mainichi Art Award, Bizen City Distinguished Service Award, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City