{"product_id":"p7081","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master who created numerous masterpieces with incomparable, legendary skill.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis cup features the potter's mark from his later years, after he began his career as a craftsman and, following a tumultuous era, was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe form is symmetrical and remarkably refined—a testament to a master who spent his entire life working at the potter's wheel—and is a pleasure to behold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe cup has a thin-walled, lightweight appearance, and the rim, in particular, is finely tapered, suggesting a clean pour.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHowever, the base is actually slightly thicker, a master's touch that adds stability while maintaining a light feel in the hand.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is made from high-quality clay collected in Imbe during the Showa period, showcasing a wonderful, soft earthy texture that has fired to a bright brownish-red color.\n\nOriginal signed wooden box (shiho-zan) included.\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.5cm × 6.5cm × Height 6.1cm\n\nToshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Imbe, 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 ceramic 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,\" he excelled in throwing techniques and preferred creating delicate, symmetrical works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly dedicated to the production of tea caddies (cha-ire), establishing his status 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\nIn 1992, the exhibition \"Journey through the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto Exhibition\" was held.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Miki Memorial Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Chugoku Cultural Award, Mainichi Art Award, Bizen City Meritorious 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":46618078117985,"sku":"7081","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7081.jpg?v=1790232196","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7081","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}