Bizen Yohen Sake Cup

This is a freshly fired *Bizen yohen* sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power. This latest work was fired in the *anagama* (tunnel kiln) at Koya Mountain, which he restored alongside his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru. It is a rare sake cup featuring *haikaburi* (ash-covered) *yohen* (kiln transformation) effects, a rarity even among tunnel kiln firings. While *anagama* *yohen* pieces are exceptionally scarce among Isezaki's body of work, this piece stands out for its magnificent firing, displaying a beautiful landscape unique to the tunnel kiln amidst a heavy *haikaburi* that rivals that of a *noborigama* (climbing kiln). The reverse side is covered in a rugged, intense *haikaburi*; unlike a climbing kiln, however, deep yellow *goma* (sesame glaze) remains firmly visible within the dark ash coating. The tall, elegant form is also a signature of Isezaki's style. (*Please note: Due to the ash coating on the foot, the piece may be slightly unstable.*) Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 6.5cm × Diameter 6.5cm × Height 7.0cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of intricate 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 everything from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to ceramic walls and sculptures. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing, developing a style infused with a modern sensibility that maximizes the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, noborigama, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading figure in relief art, having presented numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art lecturer 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 by Okayama Prefecture, and he served as Secretary-General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association that same year. 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 Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, and many others / Juror for Prefectural Exhibitions.