Bizen black sake bottle

This is a freshly kiln-fired Bizen black sake bottle by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible creative power. This latest piece was completed after nine days and nights of firing in the climbing kiln at Inbe restored by the artist alongside his father, Yozan, and brother, Mitsuru. It is made using a special clay with an extremely high iron content, which was sprayed onto the surface to create a deep, glossy black texture. This is complemented by an abundance of yellow "goma" (sesame ash glaze) produced by the intense firing within the kiln, resulting in a magnificent fusion of two contrasting kiln transformations: the cold, shimmering black surface and the "goma" landscape that evokes the flow of fierce flames within the kiln. A black sake bottle fired to this extent is extremely rare; the black slip and ash have charred without melting, transforming into a vivid cobalt blue "aoyouhen" (blue kiln change). The "aoyouhen," which becomes even more vibrant when wet, is a perfect match for a sake bottle; when using it, you can enjoy the changing colors by rubbing a bit of spilled sake into the blue surface. Signed paulownia box to follow (please allow some time for shipping)
Rim 3.8cm × Body diameter 9.9cm × 9.7cm × Height 13.2cm Capacity approx. 410cc Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, who excelled in crafted pottery. He learned ceramics from a young age and entered the field after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His work covers a wide range, from traditional items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to sculptural pieces like ceramic walls and objects. In his production, he emphasizes both forming and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that takes advantage of the characteristics of his materials and kilns (climbing kilns, stepped kilns, and electric kilns). He has also released numerous works as a leading relief artist. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special lecturer in fine arts at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and in the same year, he served 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: Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, and many others / Juror for Prefectural Exhibitions