Bizen Sake Cup

This is a brand-new Bizen sake cup, fresh from the kiln of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible, ever-creative spirit. It is a latest work completed after nine days and nine nights of firing in the Anagama kiln at Mt. Koya, which he restored alongside his father, Yozan Isezaki, and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki. This piece features a rare and intense landscape for an Anagama firing, appearing vibrant with a variety of kiln effects, including scorched sesame (koge-goma) and sangiri, in addition to an overwhelming amount of yellow sesame (ki-goma) that covers almost the entire outer surface. Bathed in natural glaze from the back, a massive amount of yellow sesame flows from the back toward the front, joining together like a sash to form a colossal "tamadare" (beaded glaze drip). The blend of yellow, brown, and black in these drips creates a hue beyond words, truly embodying the mystery of the kiln firing. The interior of the cup is also flooded with yellow sesame as if scooping up gold dust, making it a joy to behold from every angle. Signed paulownia wood box to follow (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 6.9cm × 6.8cm × Height 7.2cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master noted for his craftsmanship. Having learned pottery from a young age, he embarked on his career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is extensive, ranging from traditional flower vases, plates, and tea utensils to ceramic murals and sculptural objects. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that maximizes the characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns). Furthermore, he is a leading figure in the field of relief sculpture and has unveiled numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served for nine years as a special art lecturer at Okayama University. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both certified as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, 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 a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Recipient of numerous honors, including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition / Member of the Prefectural Exhibition Judging Committee.