Black Cup

This is a newly fired black sake cup by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and is breathing new life into the world of Bizen ware with his exceptional sense and masterful modeling skills. The unique, slightly inward-curving oval shape, which can only be achieved by members of the "Isezaki school"—the same as Kakurezaki-sensei—possesses a bewitching charm that is hard to put into words. This bewitching curve is adorned in a profound black, and through its harmony with the curves, it radiates a sharp, sculptural aura despite being a piece of pottery. The golden sesame glaze (goma) features traces of ash glaze from the kiln wall, as if to signify the favor of the kiln god, which has taken on a creamy white and pale cobalt blue, providing a wonderful accent. Signed box to follow (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 10.2cm x Diameter 9.5cm x Height 4.7cm Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious line in Bizen ware; his grandfather was the holder of Intangible Cultural Property Yo-zan Isezaki, and his uncle was the holder of Intangible Cultural Property 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 studied pottery for about two years under Jeff Shapiro, a potter living 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 disciples. In 2002, he exhibited for the first time at the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Exhibition and was selected.