{"product_id":"p7680","title":"Bizen ware teacup","description":"This is a Bizen tea cup by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, an artist known for his incomparable, god-like techniques and the creation of many masterpieces.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis tea cup bears the seal of Toshu-sensei from his later years, after he had lived through tumultuous times and was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, following his early start as a craftsman.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe tea cup, formed with his masterful potter's wheel technique and fired under strictly controlled temperatures, exhibits a form that is thin and supple, yet possesses a dignified presence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nI am particularly impressed by the rim, which is finished to an astonishing thinness, a testament to a level of wheel-throwing skill that shows no fear of breakage.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite its thin and elegant form, it does not feel overly light; by adding a certain thickness to areas other than the rim, he has improved both thermal regulation and stability.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe strongly white clay, a hallmark of Toshu-sensei's work, conveys a sense of purity, beautifully accentuated by vibrant *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings that create an exceptional landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThese vivid *hidasuki* patterns produce beautiful gradations that one can gaze at endlessly without ever tiring.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box included (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.7cm x 7.6cm x Height 7.8cm\u003cbr\u003e\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 Potter's Wheel,\" he excelled in wheel-throwing techniques and preferred to create delicate, symmetrical works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly passionate about creating tea caddies (*cha-ire*), which established his status as a master craftsman of tea ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) in 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1992, the exhibition \"Journey of the Six Ancient Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto\" was held.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards 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, 4th Class, and Honorary Citizen of Bizen City.","brand":"山本陶秀","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618204110945,"sku":"7680","price":55000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7680.jpg?v=1790233092","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7680","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}