Bizen Beer Drinker

This new Bizen beer cup is the work of Koichiro Isezaki, who was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and who is breathing new life into the world of Bizen ware with his exceptional sense and masterful modeling skills. The wheel-thrown form has been pulled as thin as possible, resulting in a more sophisticated and sharper silhouette, while the thinness of the vessel also makes it easier and more pleasant to use, creating a stylish and functional beer cup. The cup is crafted from a somewhat coarse, sandy clay and fired slowly in an anagama kiln, creating a landscape that combines beauty and a sense of purity: a crimson color reminiscent of a ripe apple skin, accented by the amber kiln transformation and charred white surfaces characteristic of an anagama firing. Although it lacks ornate decoration, the piece possesses a highly refined atmosphere that speaks to Koichiro Isezaki's impeccable taste. It is simple and versatile, and comes in a paulownia box, making it an ideal gift. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.6cm x 7.5cm x Height 11.6cm Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious name in Bizen pottery; his grandfather was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki. Koichiro aspired to become a potter from a young age. After graduating from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He learned pottery for approximately two years under New York-based ceramic artist Jeff Shapiro, an experience that greatly broadened his perspective on art and ceramics. After returning to Japan in 2000, he continued his training under his father alongside his father's apprentices. In 2002, he submitted his work to the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Exhibition, where it was selected for the first time.