Bizen sake bottle

This Bizen sake bottle is by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. It is a highly impressive sake bottle with an ash-covered kiln-altered appearance that seems to combine the characteristics of both an anagama (tunnel kiln) and a climbing kiln. The surface features a well-balanced interplay of three elements: white, crusty sesame glaze that clings to the clay; carbonized ash covering that emits a dull glow; and yellow sesame glaze that leaves the traces of straw. The "nuke" (unfired or exposed areas) also features a very rare hue, with orange "hi-dasuki" (fire cord) markings glowing against the gray clay body. Though slightly taller than a standard sake bottle, the sake pours slowly, making it also suitable for use as an "oazuke" (reserve) bottle. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Rim 3.8cm × Body diameter 9.1cm × 9.0cm × Height 14.4cm, Capacity approx. 630cc Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic sculpture. He learned pottery from a young age and embarked on a professional career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to ceramic wall reliefs and abstract sculptures. In his creative process, he emphasizes both forming and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create works with a contemporary sensibility. He is also a leading figure in relief art, having released numerous works. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a lecturer for the Special Art Course at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, 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 a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Awards: Numerous awards 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.