Bizen Black Sake Cup

This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen black sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with a creativity that never fades. This latest work was fired in the Koyasan climbing kiln, which he restored together with his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru. It features a unique fusion of black slip and "goma" (ash glaze) that creates an unprecedented reaction. The black clay, typically used for Osafune swords, was processed and applied to the vessel's surface, and the "goma" has flowed like a waterfall, washing over the slip to create a clear, black-coated appearance. Because it was fired with the front portion facing downward, the "goma" and black clay melted and ran off together, forming a mysterious aesthetic that could be called "black drops." Beneath this layer of clear, black-flowing "goma," a matte chocolate-brown clay surface—having lost its luster through intense boiling—peeks through. This matte chocolate-brown surface also appears in the interior, where fine bubbling from high heat, bits of grit, and "goma" create a world that looks like a dark universe turned inward—a sight that is truly difficult to describe in words. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 7.0cm x Diameter 6.5cm x Height 7.3cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his intricate ceramic work. He learned pottery from a young age and embarked on his career after graduating from the Okayama University Special Fine Arts Course in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional vases, plates, and tea utensils to ceramic walls and abstract objects. He places great importance on both shaping and firing, and his signature style, which overflows with a modern sensibility, makes the most of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading relief artist and has unveiled numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special fine arts instructor at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both certified as holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in that same year, he became the secretary-general of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a holder of a national Important Intangible Cultural Property.
Awards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Prize, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, and many others / Prefectural Exhibition Judge