Bizen Memorandum

This is a statement from the second-generation Issou Koyama, who learned the art of craftsmanship from his father—a master artisan—and has dedicated himself to the same path. This is an auspicious figurine of next year's zodiac animal. One can sense the high-level descriptive ability of Issou-sensei in the monkey's somewhat dazed expression and its unique facial features that differ subtly from those of a human. Each individual hair has been carved to capture the shaggy texture of the monkey's fur. We hope you will display it for the New Year. (Please note in advance that there are small chips on the tips of both feet.) Signed wooden storage box (tomobako) included
15.5cm diameter × 13.5cm diameter × 23.0cm height The second-generation Issou Koyama is a traditional craftsman and the eldest son of the first-generation Issou Koyama, a master of figurine making. He learned the techniques of craftsmanship under his father and became independent in 1972. In 1985, on the occasion of his father’s first memorial service, he succeeded to the name "Issou." In addition to figurines, he creates tea utensils, tableware, and flower vases. He is meticulous about form and firing, aiming for a clay finish—particularly *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterns—that suits each individual piece. He has received numerous awards, including the Prefectural Exhibition Prize, the Renten Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) Award, and the Bigei Exhibition Sanyo Shimbun President's Award.