Hello everyone, how have you been?
Recently, Koichiro Isezaki held a kiln opening.
Once again, every single piece was exhilarating to behold, and I found myself so absorbed in selecting works that I completely lost track of time.
In fact, I learned that Koichiro-sensei studied wood carving during his student days, and he applies those techniques masterfully to his ceramics, bringing out entirely new expressions in the clay.
From flower vases boldly carved with large chisels to tea sets created in collaboration with a woodworker friend, every piece makes one rediscover the charm of Bizen clay through various techniques and expressions.
Thinking about it, the relationship between his studio and the adjacent studio of Jun-sensei is quite fascinating.
It feels as if what has been researched over many years by many people at Jun-sensei's studio is being deconstructed, and then gathered and reconstructed through the filter of a young potter in the studio next door.
Mixed within that are truly diverse essences—from the old Bizen pottery in front of the studio and the works of internationally active artists, to ancient African currency displayed in his room—all of which likely converge into what we call "Koichiro Isezaki's Bizen ware."
He is currently researching a new mixture because he is running low on the black slip he has used for over a decade, so I am already looking forward to seeing what kind of reconstruction he will unveil next.
He says he is working on a black that is deep and lustrous, yet not a single flat color—a black that has subtle hints of scarlet mixed in somewhere.
New works by Koichiro Isezaki currently available at Bizen Ware Kawaguchitourakuen
