Bizen Black Sake Cup

This is a brand new Bizen black sake cup, fresh from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. This latest work was completed after nine days and nights of firing in the Koyasan climbing kiln, which he restored alongside his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru. By using a special clay with an extremely high iron content and spraying it onto the surface, he has created a deep, lustrous black finish. Combined with an abundance of yellow sesame glaze (goma) created by the intense firing within the kiln, the piece achieves a magnificent fusion of two contrasting kiln transformations: the cold, gleaming black skin and the sesame patterns that evoke the flow of fierce flames within the kiln. The interior, in particular, reveals a mystical landscape where the swirling, flame-like sesame patterns and the black surface—reminiscent of the abyss of space—look as if fire is being sucked into a black hole. It also features the distinct blue kiln transformation that is one of the joys of black Bizen works, adding yet another layer of appreciation. Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for delivery)
Dia. 7.2cm x 7.1cm x H 7.1cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his ceramic craftsmanship. He began learning pottery in his youth and embarked on his career after graduating from the Okayama University Special Art Course in 1959. His work covers a wide range, from traditional items such as vases, plates, and tea ceramics to sculptural pieces, ceramic wall art, and objects. In his production, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. He is known for a style that overflows with contemporary sensibility, leveraging the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). Furthermore, he is a leading figure in relief art and has presented numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special art instructor at Okayama University for nine years. 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 Secretary General of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated as a holder of a nationally designated Important Intangible Cultural Property.
Awards: Numerous awards including the Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and an Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition / Served as a juror for prefectural exhibitions.