Bizen sake bottle

This is an earlier Bizen sake flask by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. This is a *yohen* (kiln-transmuted) flask from his middle period, before he was designated a Living National Treasure. It is a substantial piece that carries a pleasant weight in the palm, and combined with its orthodox form, it is a sturdy, well-balanced flask. The light gray *yohen* is very similar to the kiln-transmutation seen in his current *anagama* (tunnel kiln) works, and it features a deep, tasteful *nuke* (a patch of distinct color) in the center that you can enjoy watching develop over time. (Although this is an earlier work and has slight stains from age, it is an unused item.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Rim 3.3cm x Body diameter 8.8cm x Diameter 8.7cm x Height 12.5cm Capacity: approx. 340cc Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an artist skilled in sculptural ceramics. He learned pottery from a young age and embarked on his career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is wide-ranging, encompassing everything from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to ceramic wall art and sculptural objects. In his production, he places great emphasis on both forming 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 has also released numerous works as a leading figure in relief art. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special lecturer in fine arts at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, 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 designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
Awards: Numerous awards including the Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, and Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition / Juror for prefectural exhibitions