Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist known for his incomparable, god-like techniques and the creation of numerous masterpieces. This sake cup bears the potter’s seal used during his later years, after he had been designated a Living National Treasure following a turbulent career that began as a simple craftsman. The highly symmetrical and refined form is a pleasure to behold, reflecting the expertise of a master who spent his entire life at 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, clean, and distinctively white-toned clay body, differing from the *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterns of electric kilns. This prominent white tone further accentuates Toshu’s signature refined artistry. Original signed box (tomobako) with four-way mitered corners
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 honed 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. Known as "Toshu of the Wheel" for his superior throwing skills, he created delicate works and ambitiously pursued the creation of tea ceramics, particularly tea caddies, establishing himself as a master of tea ware. He was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey of the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto."
Major awards and honors include: 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, 4th Class, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.