Bizen Hikidashiguro Sake Cup

This is a Bizen "Hikidashi-guro" (drawn-out black) sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative power. It is a piece from his "Hikidashi-guro" series, which can now be called a signature work of the Isezaki family, created by pulling the piece directly from the kiln's firing port during the firing process. It features a different aesthetic than standard black glaze, with a translucent black surface combined with vivid yellow sesame (goma) glaze, giving it a notably cool appearance. The foot ring has carbonized during the cooling process to produce a silvery kiln-altered finish, adding an extra layer of enjoyment when using the piece. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.4cm x Diameter 6.1cm x Height 6.4cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the field professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is wide-ranging, encompassing traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea ceramics, as well as ceramic wall art and sculptural objects. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. His style is characterized by a modern sensibility that leverages the unique qualities of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading relief artist and has presented numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special lecturer in art at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture, and he served as the Chief Director of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association that same year. In July 2004, he was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property). Awards include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, among many others / Prefectural Exhibition Judge.