Bizen Tokkuri

This Bizen sake flask is the work of 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 skills. The balance between the natural ash glaze (goma), clay texture, and fire-cord (hidasuki) markings is excellent, resulting in a piece that, while understated, possesses a refined atmosphere. The vivid colors of the hidasuki suit the soft, rounded form perfectly. Its unique design allows it to also be used as a bottle by sealing it with a cork. (Please note that the piece may be slightly unsteady due to the shape of the base.) Signed wooden box (shohosun)
Rim 3.6cm x Body diameter 9.1cm x Body diameter 9.1cm x Height 14.3cm, Capacity approx. 390cc Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious line of Bizen potters; his grandfather was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki. Koichiro aspired to pursue pottery from an early age. After graduating from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He spent approximately two years studying ceramics under potter Jeff Shapiro in New York City, significantly broadening his perspective on art and pottery. Upon returning to Japan in 2000, he continued his training under his father alongside his father's other apprentices. In 2002, he submitted work to the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Exhibition for the first time and was selected for inclusion.