{"product_id":"p5788","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with incomparable skills described as miraculous. This sake cup features the artist's seal from his later years, after he had navigated tumultuous times and was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, following a career that began as a humble craftsman. The perfectly symmetrical, refined form—a hallmark of a master who spent his entire life at the potter's wheel—is truly a pleasure to behold. It was fired with precise temperature control in an electronically controlled gas kiln, co-developed with his son Yuichi, resulting in a clay texture with a distinct, strong, and translucent whiteness that differs from other electric-kiln-fired hidaski (fire-cord) pieces. Beyond the flame-like patterns of the hidaski, the large, robust form, measuring over 7cm in diameter, possesses a truly magnificent and imposing presence. It is the kind of sake cup that invites you to sit cross-legged and hold it firmly in your hand as you drink.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm × Diameter 7.2cm × Height 5.9cm\n\nToshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Inbe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933. He later refined his skills under the guidance 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 Potter's Wheel,\" he was celebrated for his exceptional wheel technique and delicate works; he also enthusiastically engaged in creating tea ceramics, primarily tea caddies (cha-ire), establishing himself as a master craftsman of tea wares. He was designated a Living National Treasure in 1987. In 1992, he held the exhibition \"Journey of the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto.\" \u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards: Okayama Prefectural 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, 4th Class, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.","brand":"山本陶秀","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618689929313,"sku":"5788","price":90000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5788.jpg?v=1790240557","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p5788","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}