Bizen Chawan

This Bizen tea bowl is a previous work by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible well of creativity. It is a piece that perfectly captures the characteristics of his Heian kiln period, with a clean red clay body that is quintessentially anagama-fired. The ash from the wrapped straw has blended with the natural glaze, creating a dynamic scene reminiscent of lightning strikes or spraying water. The vigorous, expressive quality of the anagama firing is a perfect match for the large, bold form. Signed wooden box (double-slat)
Diameter 14.0cm × Diameter 13.3cm × Height 7.5cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an artist renowned for his intricate craftwork. 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 repertoire is extensive, ranging from traditional flower vases, plates, and tea ceramics to ceramic walls and sculptural objects. He places great importance on both the forming and the firing processes. His style is characterized by a modern sensibility that leverages the unique properties of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading relief artist, having unveiled numerous works in that genre. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. For nine years starting in 1978, he served as a lecturer for the Special Art Course at Okayama University. In 1998, he and his older brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, 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 as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: 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; served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition.