Bizen Sake Cup

This is a new sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible sense of creativity. Fired in the "hizen" (front-of-flame) position, this piece is an intriguing work that, while quintessentially Bizen, also possesses the characteristics of a black-fired piece. The intense flames have caused the "goma" (ash glaze) to shift into a bluish-white hue, resulting in a remarkably bold firing effect. The clay body itself is also thoroughly fired, taking on a deep, dark brown color. The fine, detailed goma scenery inside the cup is sure to be a delight to behold during use.
（Due to being fired in an area of intense flame at the front of the kiln, there is some ash glaze adhesion on the foot.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.5cm × 6.5cm × Height 7.5cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his sculptural work. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the craft professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, spanning from traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares to sculptural objects and ceramic wall reliefs. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and kilns—including anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns—to develop a style brimming with contemporary sensibility. He is also a leading figure in relief art, having unveiled numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, and he served as Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association that same year. In July 2004, he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Awards: Recipient of numerous honors, including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition; also serves as a judge for the Prefectural Exhibition.