Bizen sake bottle

This is a newly fired Bizen sake bottle by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. It is a latest work fired in the Koya-san anagama (tunnel kiln) that he restored along with his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru; it is a sake bottle that captivates with the intense *goma* (sesame) glaze characteristic of an anagama kiln. The piece is bathed in a generous amount of yellow *goma* from above, as if struck by a heavy downpour; at times, it flows across the vessel's surface like golden rain, and at others, it follows the straw patterns of the *hidasuki* (fire-cord) technique, appearing like a golden meteor shower. Being strongly fired, the surface has taken on a rich amber hue, which in turn has transformed the *hidasuki* into a deep carmine color, creating a composition that allows the highly elegant and delicate golden *goma* to stand out brilliantly. Naturally, the texture of the *goma* itself is remarkably smooth and pleasant, and combined with its solid form, this piece can be enjoyed not only through visual information, but through all five senses, including the tactile sensation in the palm and the experience of taste. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Rim 3.5cm x Body diameter 9.0cm x Body diameter 8.9cm x Height 13.3cm Capacity approx. 360cc Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an artist skilled in sculptural ceramics. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the field after graduating from the Okayama University special art course in 1959. His work covers a wide range, from traditional items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to sculptural works such as ceramic walls and objets d'art. In his production, he emphasizes both molding and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that leverages the characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He has also released numerous works as a leading figure in relief art. He became a regular 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 were both certified as holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he served as Secretary General of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. He was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in July 2004.
Awards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, and many others / Prefectural Exhibition Judge