Bizen sake cup

This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with his inexhaustible creativity. This latest work was completed after a nine-day, nine-night firing in an anagama kiln, which he reconstructed together with his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru. Among anagama firings, this cup features a rare haikaburi (ash-covered) yohen (kiln-change) aesthetic, making it an exceptionally scarce piece even among those from Jun's own kiln. Distinct from the typical haikaburi yohen seen in climbing kilns, this piece emphasizes the vivid colors characteristic of anagama firing, creating an atmosphere that is somewhat light and festive. The exquisite balance between the goma (sesame glaze) and the ash covering is particularly superb, and the dynamic movement of yellow and black tones possesses the deep charm unique to anagama kiln-change. Signed paulownia box to follow (please allow some time for delivery).
Diameter 6.9cm × 6.7cm × Height 7.0cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his ceramic sculptures, and began learning pottery from a young age. After graduating from the Special Fine Arts Course at Okayama University in 1959, he embarked on his career as a ceramic artist. His body of work is wide-ranging, encompassing traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea utensils, as well as ceramic walls and objects. In his creative process, he places great emphasis on both forming and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that leverages the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns). Furthermore, he is a leading figure in the world of relief sculpture and has released numerous works in this field. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a lecturer in the Special Fine Arts Course at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture; in the same year, he began serving as the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Recipient of the Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Prize, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, and many others / Juror for the Prefectural Exhibition.