Bizen black sake bottle

This Bizen black tokkuri (sake bottle) is the work of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative power. The piece is generously drenched in "sesame" (goma) glaze from the shoulder down, appearing like rain dripping into a dark night. The black color quietly accentuates the simple form, while the intense sesame glaze, created through a stoic firing process, pulls the entire piece together. Its simple and serene style makes it well-suited not only as a sake bottle but also as a vase for flowers. Original signed wooden box (shiho-zan) with lid
Rim 3.8cm × Body diameter 9.9cm × Body diameter 9.8cm × Height 13.6cm Capacity approx. 500ml Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft, and studied pottery from a young age before entering the field professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is wide-ranging, encompassing everything from traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to sculptural works including ceramic walls and objects. He places great importance on both shaping and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, noborigama, and electric kilns) to create a style imbued with a modern sensibility. He is also recognized as a leading relief artist and has unveiled numerous works in that medium. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special lecturer in art at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both certified as holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he became the Secretary General of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a holder of a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Cultural Property. Award history: Recipient of numerous honors, including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition; currently serves as a judge for prefectural exhibitions.