Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible creative power. This piece is characterized by its exceptionally high purity of "goma" (ash glaze), achieved by firing solely with split red pine wood. The interior features goma that flows down like a waterfall, creating an impression so captivating it feels like a magic vessel. When sake is poured into the cup, the goma pooled at the bottom glimmers, looking like gold dust resting on the bed of a lake. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.6cm x Height 6.9cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic ornaments, and studied pottery from a young age. After graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959, he dedicated himself to the path of ceramic art. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ware to ceramic walls and abstract objects. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. He is known for a style brimming with modern sensibilities that makes the most of the characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). Additionally, as a leading figure in relief art, he has unveiled numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a lecturer for the Special Art Course at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Okayama Prefecture; that same year, he became the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) by the Japanese government. Awards include the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Modeling, among many others. He also serves as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition.