Bizen ware sake cup

This is a new Bizen hand-coiled 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 sculptural ability. This sake cup, a new challenge in this firing, was created by slowly forming the clay upwards by hand after rolling it into a slab. The gentle curves created by the hand-coiling technique and the finger marks remaining on the clay surface evoke a presence that is as gentle yet dignified as a Raku-ware piece. The piece is generously covered with *goma* (natural ash glaze) to the point where parts have turned white, making this interesting work look like a miniature Raku tea bowl, coupled with its form. A drop of natural glaze that pooled on the kiln wall has fallen, creating what looks like a deep purple tear, a delightful touch of the accidental beauty characteristic of Bizen. Signed wooden box to follow (please note that it will take some time before shipment)
Diameter 6.8cm x Diameter 6.8cm x Height 6.5cm Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious name in Bizen ware; his grandfather was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki. Koichiro aspired to be a potter from an early age. After graduating from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He studied ceramics for about two years under Jeff Shapiro, a potter based in New York City, which greatly broadened his perspective on art and ceramics. After returning to Japan in 2000, he trained under his father alongside his father's apprentices. In 2002, he submitted his work to the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Exhibition for the first time and was selected.