Bizen Black Sake Cup

This is a newly fired Bizen black sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible wellspring of creativity. This new work was carefully fired over an eleven-day kiln run, and the reverse side features layers of "goma" (ash glaze) that have flowed to create a striking tiger-stripe pattern. The flow of goma on the front is arranged in an exquisite balance—as if by a whim of the kiln gods—where the glaze appears to be on the verge of blending, yet remains distinct. The parts of the black body that were exposed to the intense flames have fired beautifully, resulting in a deep hue and magnificent luster rarely seen in standard black Bizen, making it captivating at first glance. Original signed box to follow (please allow some time for shipment)
Diameter 7.3cm x 6.9cm x Height 6.4cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an expert in ceramic craftsmanship. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the field professionally after graduating from the Okayama University Special Art Course in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares to ceramic murals and sculptural objects. In his practice, he places great emphasis on both shaping and firing. His style is characterized by a modern sensibility that draws out the unique qualities of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading figure in relief art, having presented numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special lecturer in art at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, 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 as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Awards: Recipient of numerous honors, including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, and the Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceramics, among others / Served as a judge for the Prefectural Exhibition.