{"product_id":"p7810","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This Bizen sake flask was crafted by Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto, a master artisan who created numerous masterpieces with peerless, god-like technical skill.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis flask dates back to the period when Toshu, who began his career as a craftsman, was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture after living through tumultuous times.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe highly refined, symmetrical form is a pleasure to behold, reflecting the mastery of an artist who spent his entire life facing the potter’s wheel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe clay base features a rich, shiso-leaf purple hue, overlaid with the gold-toned finish that is a hallmark of Toshu’s work, giving the surface a fascinating quality as if it had been coated in platinum.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn the Yamamoto family tradition, other types of wood are added alongside split pine to ensure a thorough firing, resulting in a deep, ink-like black base with a weathered yellow sesame glaze (goma) appearing on the shoulders.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJudging by the box inscription, maker's mark, and style, this is a late-period work created after the age of 70. Yet, the powerfully expanded shoulders and the dignified, solid form are filled with youthfulness and majesty, showing that the artist's body had so thoroughly internalized his craft that it transcended logic and technique.\n\nOriginal signed box (shiho-zan style)\u003cbr\u003e\nRim: 3.4cm; Body diameter: 9.0cm x 8.9cm; Height: 13.0cm; Capacity: approx. 440cc\n\nToshu Yamamoto (1906–1994, born in Ibe, Bizen City) entered the world of ceramics in 1921 and established his own kiln in 1933.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe later honed his skills under Kyoto ceramic artist Yaichi Kusube.\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\nToshu was so renowned for his wheel work that he was often called \"Toshu of the Potter’s Wheel,\" and he favored creating delicate, perfectly symmetrical pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly passionate about creating tea caddies (cha-ire), establishing his position as a master of tea ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1987, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1992, he held the exhibition \"Journey of the Six Old Kilns: Living National Treasure Toshu Yamamoto.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors include: 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":46618209714273,"sku":"7810","price":88000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7810.jpg?v=1790233292","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7810","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}