Bizen Yusai kuro Syochuhai

This is a newly kiln-fired "Yusai Kuro" (Glazed Black) shochu cup by Intangible Cultural Property holder Yuichi Yamamoto, son of the legendary master craftsman Toshu Yamamoto. This shochu cup is part of the Yusai Kuro series, created for the first time in this kiln firing; it has been fired to the absolute limit to produce a magnificent black that appears as if India ink is seeping from its surface. Mr. Yamamoto himself notes that only a few pieces were successfully produced out of a hundred, making this a rare find. The black color, achieved without the use of slip, embodies both the profound, mysterious atmosphere typical of Bizen ware and the intriguing nature of the color black. The "goma" (ash glaze) has also been affected by the intense firing, creating a dizzying gradation of green, white, and gold over a base of black, glass-like kiln transformation. The form, too, has been influenced by the intense heat; while typically showcasing the symmetrical, near-perfect circular shapes characteristic of Yamamoto Bizen, this piece has been gently warped by the flames, demonstrating a fascinating departure from the potter's wheel to engage directly with the fire—a central theme of Yamamoto Bizen. Signed wooden box (double-slatted lid)
Diameter 9.0cm x Diameter 8.7cm x Height 8.5cm Yuichi Yamamoto is the eldest son of Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto and began his path in ceramics under his father in 1959. In 1968, he became the first to introduce a gas kiln to Bizen ware. With a scientific and inquisitive mind, he researched methods to turn "hidasuki" (fire-cord) patterns—often left to chance—into intentional designs. He devised the "Himon" and "Hisai" techniques, using an extract boiled down from rice straw like paint to draw flowers and patterns onto the clay body. He produces a wide range of works, including vases, tea utensils, jars, and large bowls. He became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1967. In 1995, he published an introductory guide for makers titled "Bizen Ware Techniques: Tradition and Creation." In 1996, he won the Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition. That same year, he was certified as an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder.
Awards: Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Art and Culture Merit Medal, Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, and many others / Prefectural Exhibition Juror
Affiliations: Japan Kogei Association, Bizen-yaki Toshinkai, Bigeikai, Gengakai, Kunpukai