BIZEN BUNRIN

Illustrated is a classical and quintessential Bizen bunrin style chaire by Ningen Kokuho; Yamamoto Toshu (1906-1994). This rounded, small apple form chaire is a wonderful example of what Yamamoto is so well known for and highly regarded. This chaire is typical of his work, with vivid flowing tamadare ash running down the face of the piece. In fact, many of Yamamoto's pots are immediately recognizable because of his particular and unique style of firing as well as his use of simple, honest forms of which this noble bunrin chaire is a great example. Yamamoto decided to apprentice under Kusube Yaichi later in life which may explain his attention to detail in form and line which was first rewarded with Prefectural Intangible Property in 1954 and then with Juyo Mukei Bunkazai in 1987. Yamamoto Toshu like a small handful of other potters, was able to carve out a niche within the Bizen pottery and add an eloquent and thoughtful voice to a tradition that has a long and varied history.

"Eloquence is logic on fire." Lyman Beecher (1775-1863)