Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist renowned for his unparalleled, god-like technical mastery and the creation of numerous masterpieces. This sake cup features the maker's mark from his later years, a period following a tumultuous era that culminated in his certification as a Living National Treasure after beginning his career as a simple artisan. While Toshu is widely celebrated for the perfect symmetry and refined forms achieved through his exceptional potter's wheel technique, this piece also exudes a grand, dignified atmosphere born from the relaxed, poised aesthetic characteristic of his final years. The trimming of the foot demonstrates a flowing, masterful use of the spatula, resulting in a foot that is both swift and full of character. The black-based green sesame glaze (ryoku-goma)—a hallmark of his later work—is present, and the thoroughly fired, weighty texture evokes a profound sense of mysterious beauty. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.5cm x Height 5.4cm 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 mentorship 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 Wheel" for his superior lathe technique, he created delicate works and actively pursued the production of tea ceramics, particularly tea caddies, establishing his status as a master craftsman of tea ware. He was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey of the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto."
Major awards 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, Gold and Silver Rays, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.