Yamamoto Tōshū (1906-1994)

Top-class Bizen chaire  made by Yamamoto Tōshū. Tōshū began working with clay at the age of 15, and only 12 years later, in 1933, he became independent. It is interesting to note that he later decided to study further, but not with a Bizen master, but with Kusube Yaichi (1897-1984), who may have stimulated his progressive view of traditional Bizen ceramics. Kusube also helped him master the potter's wheel, which is why Tōshū is said to have made the finest wheel-thrown objects in Bizen.

In 1959, Tōshū made his world debut at the Brussels World's Fair, where he was awarded the gold prize. In the same year, he was named an Important Cultural Property of Okayama. He has been selected as a member of the Japan Traditional Arts Crafts Exhibition every year since 1955. In addition, he has received many awards, such as the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award in 1972, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Award and the Miki Memorial Award in 1975, the Bizen City Achievement Award and the Purple Ribbon Medal in 1976, the Mainichi Art Award in 1977, the Dark-blue Ribbon Medal in 1981, the Order of the Sacred Treasure (4th class) in 1982, and many others.

This long list of honors and his mastery of the Bizen style with many distinctive, sometimes unusual works led to his appointment as a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property) in 1987, third in line after Kaneshige Tōyō and Fujiwara Kei.

The tea caddy is signed underneath with the potter's mark. Comes with fitted wooden box with original inscription: Bizen katashiki chaire ("Tea Caddy with Distinct Shoulders"), and signature: Tōshū-zō ("Made by Tōshū").

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