Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with incomparable, god-like techniques. This cup features a potter’s mark from his later years, after he had been designated a Living National Treasure following a career that began as a craftsman and spanned a turbulent era. While Toshu is often known for his bright white *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterns created in electronically controlled gas kilns, this piece is a rare, austere *hidasuki* slowly fired in an *anagama* (climbing kiln). The rim exhibits the characteristic brownish hue of Bizen clay, which transitions to a reduction-fired gray as it moves from the shoulder toward the base, suggesting it was packed inside other pieces during firing. A rich, bleeding *hidasuki* pattern characteristic of a climbing kiln stretches across the surface, as if stitching these spaces together. Signed box by Yuichi (Shiho-san box)
Diameter 6.8cm x Diameter 6.6cm x Height 5.6cm Toshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Imbe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later studied under Kyoto potter Yaichi Kusube to refine his skills. After the war, he deepened his friendships with figures such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi. Known as "Toshu of the Potter's Wheel" for his exceptional wheel technique and delicate craftsmanship, he also worked ambitiously on tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies, establishing his status as a master of the art. He had a particular fondness for tea caddies and produced many. In 1987, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property. In 1992, he held the exhibition "Journey of the Six Old 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, Fourth Class, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.