Hikidashi-guro sake cup

This is a brand-new *hikidashi-guro* (pulled-black) sake cup just removed from the kiln by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and is breathing new life into the Bizen ware world with his exceptional sense and masterful sculpting ability. The amber hue of the translucent *goma* (ash glaze) and the vivid ocean blue, which emerge only through the daring technique of pulling the piece from the kiln while firing to cool it rapidly, create a finish so captivating it is impossible to look away. Because it was fired lying down near the stoking mouth of the kiln, the *goma* that turned into a gel-like state at high temperatures remains inside the bowl, where its fine crackle patterns diffuse light and sparkle brilliantly. It resembles obsidian flecked with glitter, and its iridescent glow will serve as the perfect accompaniment to your sake. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 8.4cm × Diameter 7.7cm × Height 6.8cm Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious line of Bizen ware potters; his grandfather was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki, and he himself aspired to become a potter from an early age. After graduating from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He trained for about two years under Jeff Shapiro, a potter based in New York City, which greatly broadened his perspective on art and ceramics. After returning to Japan in 2000, he trained under the guidance of his father alongside his father's apprentices. In 2002, he submitted work to the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Exhibition for the first time and was selected.