Bizen ware teacup

This Bizen beer cup is the work of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who consistently leads the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. In this piece, the overall coloration is slightly deeper than his usual *hidasuki* (fire-cord) style; the *hidasuki* itself is a more vivid and brilliant scarlet, while the clay body has a subtle bluish tint. The piece clearly displays the distinctive aesthetics of the *anagama* kiln: the *hidasuki* on the front transforms into *itogoma* (thread-like sesame markings) on the back, and at the rim, the *hidasuki* has melted into a lively, straw-ash glaze-like white sesame. With its ideal size, it can be used as either a teacup or a beer cup, and its straightforward, versatile feel makes it an excellent gift choice. Signed wooden box (with four-way locking lid)
Diameter 7.5cm × Diameter 7.2cm × Height 9.6cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craftsmanship. He began learning pottery at a young age and entered the craft professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is wide-ranging, encompassing traditional pieces like vases, plates, and tea ceramics, as well as sculptural works such as ceramic walls and objects. He places great importance on both the forming and firing processes. His signature style is marked by a modern sensibility that makes the most of the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (*anagama*, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading relief artist, having unveiled numerous works in that field. 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 Isezaki, were both certified as Holders of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and 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 an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) by the Japanese government.
Awards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, and many others / Served as a juror for the Prefectural Exhibition