Bizen sake cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power. The entire surface features "kase-goma" (crusty ash glaze) created in an anagama kiln, producing a distinctive, glass-like white appearance. The earthy texture, revealing a profound scarlet hue, is a signature color scheme of the anagama kiln that is instantly recognizable as the work of Isezaki-sensei. The interior also features a rich accumulation of yellow ash glaze with subtle charred ash markings; it offers the finest scenery when filled with sake, and provides the pleasure of seeing the colors evolve as it is used over time. Original wooden box to follow (please note that it will take some time before it can be shipped).
Diameter 7.8cm × Diameter 7.5cm × Height 4.0cm Jun Isezaki-sensei was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft, and learned pottery from an early age before officially entering the field upon graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is extensive, ranging from traditional items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to more sculptural pieces like ceramic walls and objets d'art. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. He is known for a style filled with modern sensibilities that leverages the characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading artist of relief work and has unveiled numerous pieces. 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 designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he became the Secretary-General of the Chugoku Chapter of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (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 Sculpture Exhibition, among many others / Prefectural Exhibition Judge.