Bizen Beer Mug

This is a newly fired Bizen-yaki tea cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, a master who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. Through an intense firing process, the iron content in the clay has reacted with the ash glaze (goma) to create a scene reminiscent of amber glaze. The thick, natural amber glaze offers a delightful visual coolness and a refreshing tactile sensation. The reverse side of this glaze reveals a deep scarlet hue verging on purple, delighting the viewer with its striking contrast. Fine "goma" ash has settled directly on the bottom of the vessel's interior, evoking the vigorous, sweeping flames characteristic of an anagama kiln, distinct from a climbing kiln. Signed box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 7.8cm × Diameter 7.4cm × Height 9.5cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft, and studied pottery from a young age before embarking on his professional career after graduating from the Okayama University Special Fine Arts Course in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional items like flower vases, plates, and tea utensils to ceramic walls and sculptural art pieces. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns) to develop a style infused with a modern sensibility. He is also a leading figure in relief art, having unveiled numerous works. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special instructor in fine arts at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture; 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 by the Japanese government.
Awards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, and many others; served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition.