Bizen black square flower vase

This is a Bizen black square flower vase by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power. It is no exaggeration to call this a signature piece by Isezaki-sensei, as it has been featured prominently in solo exhibition catalogs and other publications. The piece was fired after being coated entirely in iron-rich green slip, resulting in a magnificent black surface that highlights the delicate texture of the Bizen clay. Furthermore, it is generously covered in yellow "goma" (ash glaze), and the reverse side features a stunning "yohen" (kiln transformation) where pine wood ash, which became gelatinous during firing, accumulated, rose, and cooled into a solid state. The contrast between the yellow goma, reminiscent of a gold-leaf folding screen painting, and the black is incredibly pictorial and impressive, with the inserted blue kiln transformation catching the eye. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 12.9cm x 10.2cm x Height 26.6cm Jun Isezaki-sensei was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, who was highly skilled in crafted pottery. He learned ceramics from a young age and entered the field after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to sculpture-oriented pieces like ceramic walls and objects. In his creative process, he emphasizes both forming and firing. His style is characterized by a modern sensibility that leverages the unique features of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He has also released numerous works as a leading figure in relief art. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special art instructor at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru-sensei, were both recognized as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he served as Secretary-General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. Then, in July 2004, he was named a nationally designated Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property. Awards include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition, among many others / Prefectural Exhibition Judge