Bizen Black Sake Cup

This is a newly fired Bizen black sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with inexhaustible creativity. 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 applying it to the surface, he has created a deep, lustrous black finish. This is combined with the abundance of yellow *goma* (sesame ash glaze) produced by the intense firing in the climbing kiln, resulting in a magnificent fusion of two contrasting kiln transformations: the cold, gleaming black surface and the *goma* scenery that evokes the flow of fierce flames within the kiln. The interior, in particular, features a mysterious landscape where the swirling, flame-like *goma* patterns and the black surface, reminiscent of the abyss of space, appear as if flames are being sucked into a black hole. Signed paulownia box to be provided later (please allow some time for delivery)
Diameter 7.2cm × 6.8cm × Height 7.1cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, who was highly skilled in intricate ceramic crafts. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the field professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is extensive, ranging from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceramics to ceramic wall installations and sculptural objects. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with contemporary sensibilities that maximizes the characteristics of his materials and various kilns (climbing, climbing/anagama, and electric). He is also a leading figure in relief art, having released numerous works in this genre. He became a full 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 began serving as 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: Numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition / Member of the Prefectural Exhibition Judging Committee