{"product_id":"p6871","title":"Bizen tea bowl","description":"This is a Bizen tea bowl by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with unparalleled skills that were described as godlike.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis tea bowl features the seal Toshu used in his later years, after he had lived through turbulent times and been designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, following a career that began as a humble craftsman.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe remarkably symmetrical and well-ordered form is a delight to behold, characteristic of a master who dedicated his entire life to the potter's wheel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile Toshu preferred intense firing techniques that produced black \"sesame\" ash glazes in his later years, this piece highlights the rich, viscous quality of the clay itself as its main feature.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe clay, with its complex mixture of reddish-purple, scarlet, and brown tones that speak to the quality of the material, takes on a golden sheen characteristic of Toshu's work, making it seem as though it is glowing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe dignified, upright form has a presence that seems to envelop the viewer, and combined with the ever-changing colors of the clay, it is a true pleasure to hold and turn in one's hands.\n\nSigned wooden box (Shihozanshi type)included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 13.8cm × 13.6cm × Height 8.5cm\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 ceramic artist 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\nKnown as \"Toshu of the Wheel\" for his exceptional mastery of the potter's wheel, he favored the creation of delicate, symmetrical works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly passionate about creating tea caddies, establishing his reputation as a master of tea ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the national government in 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1992, he held the \"Six Ancient Kilns Journey: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto Exhibition.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors 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.","brand":"山本陶秀","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618068385889,"sku":"6871","price":160000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6871.jpg?v=1790231948","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6871","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}