Yamamoto Tōshū (1906-1994) was born in Bizen, Okayama Province. He became an apprentice potter when he was just fifteen years old. Within a decade, Yamamoto had become well-known for his skill in making vases. After winning multiple regional and national prizes for his work, Yamamoto began to travel the world to learn new pottery techniques. His particular specialty was in making vessels for the Japanese tea ceremony. He was named a Japanese National Living Treasure in 1987. Hidasuki (緋襷), or "red cord," is the application of strands of rice straw to unfired pots. During the firing process, the areas in contact with the straw turn various shades of red or crimson, depending on each potter's individual technique.