Bizen sake cup

This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup 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 completed after nine days and nights of firing in the Anagama kiln at Koya-yama, which he restored together with his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru. This piece features a well-balanced expression of the characteristics of Anagama firing, showcasing finishes representative of Isezaki Bizen such as goma (ash glazing), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), koge-goma (scorched ash glazing), and a gradation of white clay and scarlet. Due to the intense firing, the piece is rich in variety; where the rice straw directly contacted the fire, it drew in ash to create white or thread-like goma, while other areas transformed into vivid hidasuki that stand out against the white clay, making it a truly spectacular sight. The crisp, well-fired goma has a remarkably elegant hue, creating a magnificent contrast between the diverse earthen colors—deep crimson, amber, and white—seen on the interior and surface of the clay, and the golden yellow of the goma glaze. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 6.8cm × 6.5cm × Height 6.8cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic sculpture, and learned pottery from an early age before embarking on his professional career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His works range widely from traditional pieces such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to sculptural works like ceramic walls and objects. In his creative process, he places great importance on both molding and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with modern sensibilities that makes the most of the 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 in this medium. In 1966, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association. Starting in 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 Important Intangible Cultural Properties 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 as a Living National Treasure (Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition, and many others / Served as a judge for the Prefectural Exhibition.