Bizen Black Sake Cup

This is a newly fired Bizen black sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power. While Isezaki-sensei has shown an increasing interest in creating large-scale objects in recent years—perhaps driven by a spirit of challenge that leads him to even dismantle his kilns to pursue these massive works—this piece is exceptionally substantial. Its dynamic craftsmanship, which could even accommodate use as a small tea cup, perfectly matches Isezaki-sensei's free-spirited and energetic style, resulting in a sake cup with immense presence. The contrast between the well-fired, glossy black surface and the matte, coating-like yellow sesame glaze (goma) creates a complex interplay of black and gold. Beyond its magnificent appearance, the exquisite texture is a delight to hold in the palm of your hand. (*There is a slight wobble, but it stabilizes once filled with sake.) Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for delivery)
Diameter 7.4cm x Diameter 7.3cm x Height 7.3cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft. 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 work is broad in scope, ranging from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares to ceramic walls and sculptures. In his production, he places great importance on both shaping and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns) to create works filled with a contemporary sensibility. He is also a leading figure in relief art, having presented numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years. 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 (Living National Treasure).
Awards: Numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Prize, and an Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition; also serves as a judge for prefectural exhibitions.