Bizen Black Sake Cup

This is a brand new Bizen black sake cup, fresh from the kiln of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative power. This new piece was fired slowly over an eleven-day kiln run, resulting in layers of *goma* (ash glaze) on the back that flow like a tiger-stripe pattern. On the front, the *goma* is densely packed as if clinging to the surface of the vessel, while the scorched areas have undergone black kiln transformation, taking on an ultramarine hue. The exposed black portions have also been well-fired by the intense flames, producing a deep shade and magnificent luster rarely seen in standard black Bizen, making it captivating at first glance. Signed wooden box to follow at a later date (please allow some time for delivery).
Diameter 7.3cm x 6.7cm x Height 7.3cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his intricate ceramic craft. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the field professionally after graduating from the Okayama University Special Fine Arts Course in 1959. His body of work is vast, spanning traditional items such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics, as well as ceramic walls and objects. In his production process, he emphasizes both forming and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that leverages the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, noborigama, and electric kilns). He is also a leading figure among relief artists and has presented numerous works. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special fine arts lecturer at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his older brother, Mitsuru, were both certified as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property, and in the same year, he began serving as the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was named a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Forms, and many others / Served as a judge for the Prefectural Exhibition.