Bizen Sake Cup

This is a freshly fired Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative spirit. This latest work was fired in the Anagama kiln at Mt. Koya, which he restored alongside his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru, and it beautifully showcases the distinctive characteristics of Anagama-fired pieces. The entire surface features a deep, lustrous color reminiscent of a ripe apple skin, combined with the amber sheen typical of Anagama iron content and "itogoma" (thread-like sesame glaze) where the straw from the "hidasuki" firing has guided the sesame ash like a fuse, creating a truly beautiful effect. The side of the cup features a vibrant collection of various kiln changes (yohen), where yellow, thread-like, and white sesame glazes intermingle, even producing scenery reminiscent of Karatsu straw-ash glaze. The tall, slender form is also highly characteristic of Isezaki's style. Signed box to follow later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 6.3cm × Diameter 6.2cm × Height 7.0cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an artist renowned for his intricate craftsmanship. He began learning pottery in his childhood 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 items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to sculptural pieces like ceramic walls and objects. In his creative process, he places great emphasis on both shaping and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with modern sensibilities that leverages the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (Anagama, Noborigama, and electric kilns). Furthermore, he is a leading figure in relief art and has unveiled numerous works in this genre. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. For nine years starting in 1978, he served as a special lecturer in fine arts at Okayama University. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, and in the same year, he became the Executive Secretary of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Awards: Numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, and Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition / Prefectural Exhibition Judge