{"product_id":"p6412","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artisan whose peerless, miraculous technique resulted in the creation of numerous masterpieces.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis sake cup features the maker's mark used during Toshu-sensei's later years, after he had begun his career as a craftsman and, having lived through tumultuous times, was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe perfectly symmetrical and incredibly disciplined form is a testament to a master who spent his entire life facing the potter's wheel, and is a pleasure to behold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt features a delicate hidasuki (fire-cord) pattern, fired with fine temperature control in an electronically controlled gas kiln he developed jointly with his son, Yuichi-sensei.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt possesses a distinct character different from other electric-kiln-fired hidasuki pieces, with a strong, clean white earthy tone that gives it a sense of purity and transparency.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe artist's craftsman spirit is evident in the weight of the cup, which feels perfectly balanced in the hand despite the precise wheel-thrown form, as well as the uncompromisingly straight, \"no-nonsense\" trimming of the foot rim.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.6cm x 6.5cm, Height 5.4cm\n\nToshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of pottery in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe later studied under the Kyoto potter Yaichi Kusube to refine his techniques.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter the war, he deepened his friendships with artists such as Rosanjin Kitaoji and Isamu Noguchi.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nRenowned as \"Toshu of the Wheel,\" he was a master of throwing, preferring to create delicate, symmetrical works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly passionate about creating tea caddies (cha-ire), establishing his reputation as a master of tea ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1987, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1992, the exhibition \"Journey to the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto\" was held. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards: 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, 4th Class, Honorary Citizen of Bizen City","brand":"山本陶秀","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618051346529,"sku":"6412","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6412.jpg?v=1790231513","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6412","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}