Bizen Sake Cup

This is a new Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. This latest work was fired in the subterranean climbing kiln at Koya-san, which he restored alongside his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru. The straw wrapped around the vessel acted like a fuse, guiding the ash to create a dramatic, flowing "goma" (sesame-like ash glaze) pattern. In addition to the original hidaski (fire-cord) markings, the entire piece features a gradient from scarlet to amber, over which the ash glaze drips like a drip painting, creating a vibrant, painting-like landscape. Conversely, the interior of the cup reveals a clean, natural white clay tone, beautifully complemented by the sparkling particles of the generously applied ash glaze. The unique shape, reminiscent of a small water jar, is also intriguing, designed to concentrate the aroma inside before allowing it to bloom upon drinking. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.7cm x Diameter 6.7cm x Height 6.5cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an artist renowned for his intricate craftwork. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the field professionally after graduating from the Special Fine Arts Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceramics to ceramic walls and sculptural objects. He places great emphasis on both shaping and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create a style brimming with contemporary sensibility. He is also highly regarded as a prominent relief artist and has presented numerous works. In 1966, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association. He served as a lecturer for the Special Fine Arts Course at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and in the same year, he became the Secretary-General of the Chugoku Chapter of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, and many others / Juror for the Prefectural Exhibition