Bizen Yunomi

These are two Bizen ware teacups by Masashi Yoshimoto, a devoted pupil of the Bizen ware Living National Treasure, Kei Fujiwara, whose philosophy and style he carries on. With a "botamochi" (peony cake) mark placed on both the front and the interior, these pieces truly capture the quintessential atmosphere of Fujiwara-style Bizen. Following his mentor's aspiration to create bold, generous, and warm works, these cups are somewhat thick, yet they convey the natural warmth of the clay. The rim features beautiful yellow "goma" (sesame) glaze created by pine firewood, while the "botamochi" in the interior is accented with "hidasuki" (fire-cord) markings. As a pair, these teacups make a perfect wedding gift. Signed wooden box (double-slatted lid)
Diameter 8.8cm × 8.6cm × Height 6.5cm
Diameter 8.9cm × 8.7cm × Height 5.7cm Masashi Yoshimoto became a live-in apprentice to Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara in 1964 and studied under him for 19 years until the master's passing. He built his own kiln in Shizutani, Bizen City, and became independent in 1975. His very first firing resulted in selections for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition, and the Eastern Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1986. He boasts an outstanding ceramic career, with selections and awards in the Okayama Prefectural Exhibition, Eastern Chugoku Branch Exhibition, Toshinkai Exhibition, Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition, Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, Japan Ceramic Exhibition, Ceramic Biennale, and the Yakishime Ceramic Open Exhibition, among others. He has also been active in holding solo exhibitions since 1977 at major department stores in Okayama, Fukuyama, Mihara, Hiroshima, Tottori, Yonago, Kumamoto, Himeji, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and elsewhere, which have been met with great acclaim. In 1988, he was honored with the Kaneshige Toyo Prize. In 2007, he was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property.