Bizen tea cup

This Bizen ware yunomi (tea cup) is by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and has brought a breath of fresh air to the world of Bizen ware with his exceptional sense and masterful sculpting ability. It is a masterpiece that encapsulates a message only possible through clay, characteristic of Koichiro-sensei, who creates diverse expressions by making the most of the material's texture. The striking, brilliant firing of his anagama (hole kiln) is instantly recognizable as his work; the bright scarlet hue accented with clean white clay and dynamic sesame glaze (goma) is always a joy to behold. The design from the waist down is quite unique, featuring an interesting rounded base with a tiered profile. The clean, refined firing of the anagama matches perfectly with this unconventional design, resulting in a piece that is quintessentially Koichiro-sensei and fits well in modern spaces. It comes in a paulownia wood box, making it perfect for gifts or commemorations. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 8.2cm x 8.2cm x Height 9.5cm Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious name in Bizen ware, with his grandfather being the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle being the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki; he aspired to pursue pottery from an early age. After graduating from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He learned pottery for about two years under Jeff Shapiro, a potter based in New York City, which greatly broadened his perspective on art and ceramics. After returning to Japan in 2000, he trained under his father alongside his father's other disciples. In 2002, he submitted a piece to the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Exhibition, where it was selected for the first time.