Bizen tea cup

This is a newly fired Bizen-yaki yunomi (teacup) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative spirit. Since this season's firing included large-scale works like ceramic panels, this cup features a luxurious aesthetic with a generous coating of "goma" (ash glaze). The interior, in particular, has a very dynamic appearance, with a trail of ash that seems to cascade from the rim to the base, offering a visual delight with every sip. The overlapping, light-like streaks of "hidasuki" (fire-cord) also exhibit a beautiful color, making this a premium cup that can even be used for beer. It comes in a sturdy paulownia box, making it perfect for a gift. (Please note that there are marks on the bottom where the goma and the straw used for hidasuki fused with the interior of the kiln, but this does not affect its use.) Signed box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 7.5cm × Diameter 7.5cm × Height 9.9cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an artist known for his skill in intricate craftwork. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the craft 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 vessels to ceramic murals and sculptural objects. He places great importance on both shaping and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create a style imbued with a modern sensibility. He is also a leading figure in relief art, having presented numerous works. In 1966, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. From 1978, he served as a special art instructor at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, 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 a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Recipient of numerous honors, including the Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition; served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition.