Bizen Sake Cup

This is a brand-new Bizen ware sake cup, just taken from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible supply of creativity. This new work was carefully fired over an eleven-day period, and its reverse side features layers of "goma" (ash glaze) that have created a flowing, tiger-stripe pattern. The sides of the cup were shaped using a tool similar to a pushing trowel, creating linear decorative motifs; the flowing ash glaze follows these lines, creating complex movements. The three "marunuke" (circular patterns left by the fire) on the front, which evoke a sense of the fire's movement, are also magnificent. Original signed box to follow at a later date (please allow some time for delivery)
Diameter 7.2cm x 6.9cm x Height 6.8cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an artist renowned for his intricate ceramic craft. He learned pottery from a young age and began his career in ceramics after graduating from the Okayama University Special Art Course in 1959. His body of work is vast, spanning from traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares, to sculptural and conceptual pieces. He places great emphasis on both the forming and firing processes. His signature style is filled with a modern sensibility that leverages the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading relief artist, having unveiled numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a lecturer for the Okayama University Special Art Course for nine years. In 1998, he and his older brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and he also served as the Secretary General of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kōgei Association that same year. In July 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (a Living National Treasure).
Awards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, and many others / Juror for Prefectural Exhibitions