Hello everyone, how are you doing?
We have just received the final kiln opening of the year from Koichiro Isezaki.
Despite being busy with his solo exhibition, he allowed us to see these masterpieces fresh from the kiln.
I would like to introduce them on the blog as we go.
This is a rather unconventional sake cup, which I might even call "The Other Side of Koichiro."
Our first introduction of new works by Koichiro Isezaki today is this rather unconventional sake cup.
He mentioned that he created this by consciously setting aside his usual "signature style" and focusing instead on a sense of playfulness.
While Koichiro Isezaki often uses a "go-ge" (board-like) bottom and rarely adds a formal foot, this piece features a grand, sharply carved foot.
The entire form reverses "Koichiro-ism," resulting in a silhouette that is somewhat reminiscent of the late Roku Harada.
After throwing the clay thickly, he created a step between the body and the rim, then used a spatula for just a touch of accent;
the ratio of wheel-throwing to hand-sculpting is reversed compared to his usual body of work.
Viewed from above, the rim forms a gentle triangle, as if it were crafted with an awareness of traditional tea ceramics or antique pottery.
It is a fascinating sake cup that we could truly call "The Other Side of Koichiro," where he has intentionally taken various elements found in his work and applied them in a reverse vector.
For fans of Isezaki-sensei, by comparing these with his more typical work, I believe the merits of both the "front" and "back" sides are highlighted, and through that, his philosophy on ceramics begins to emerge.
Left sake cup
With its grand foot and triangular rim, it is like a piece of professional-grade tea pottery.
Right sake cup
The shell marks on the bottom are also placed on the inside, unlike his usual work.
I wonder if the reversal of his creative philosophy also influenced his firing method.
(Koichiro Isezaki / Bizen sake cup, storage box currently being made)
Left photo size: 7.6cm diameter x 7.6cm diameter x 6.6cm height price: Sold
Right photo size: 8.0cm diameter x 7.9cm diameter x 6.4cm height price: Sold
For detailed images or other inquiries about these works, please contact us below.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Click to open email screen)