Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and who breathes new life into the Bizen pottery world with his extraordinary sense and skillful sculpting ability. The surface, which has been carved away at random, accentuates the rugged texture of the clay through the carving process. The interior features horizontal carving, creating a smoother appearance compared to the vertical carving on the outside; it is a delight to compare the two different expressions. The reddish surface with a slight brownish hue was fired rapidly in an oxidation atmosphere in an anagama kiln, where the iron content in the clay has beautifully developed its color. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 8.1cm × Diameter 7.7cm × Height 6.5cm Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious line of Bizen potters; his grandfather was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki. He 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 learned pottery for about two years under Jeff Shapiro, a potter based in New York City, which greatly broadened his perspective on art and pottery. After returning to Japan in 2000, he trained under the guidance of his father and his father's disciples. In 2002, he submitted work to the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Exhibition for the first time and was selected.