Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative power. Its well-fired, amber-colored surface is adorned with vigorous "goma" (ash glaze), resulting in a sophisticated piece that reflects the distinct character of an anagama kiln. The dynamic ash glaze, a hallmark of the anagama kiln, has created three parallel flowing "tamadare" (beaded drips), and beside them, it has even produced a bold crystallization of ash glaze that resembles a championship belt. The interior of the cup is also generously coated with glistening yellow ash glaze, as if it had been used to scoop up gold dust. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 7.2cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 7.1cm Born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his decorative ceramics, Jun Isezaki learned the craft from childhood. He entered the path of pottery after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His works span a wide range, from traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea ceramics to ceramic murals and sculptural objects. In his creative process, he emphasizes both forming and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns) to develop a style imbued with a modern sensibility. He is also recognized as a leading creator of ceramic reliefs and has exhibited numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1966 and served as a special art instructor at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture; in the same year, he began serving as the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kogei Association. In July 2004, he was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Recipient of numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefecture 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 Art Exhibition.