Bizen tea cup

This Bizen tea cup is by Koichiro Isezaki, the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who is breathing new life into the world of Bizen ware with his extraordinary sense and skillful craftsmanship. It is a masterpiece that embodies the unique messages possible only through earthen works, showcasing Koichiro's signature style of utilizing the texture of the clay to create a diverse range of expressions. The vibrant firing from the anagama kiln is instantly recognizable as Koichiro's work, with its bright scarlet hues complemented by clean white clay and dynamic *goma* (ash glaze) that are always a delight to behold. The design below the waist is unconventional, featuring a unique, rounded base with a distinct step. The clean, crisp finish from the anagama kiln perfectly matches the quirky design, resulting in a piece typical of Koichiro that fits beautifully in modern spaces. It comes in a paulownia wood box, making it perfect for gifts or commemorative items. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 8.1cm x 8.1cm x Height 9.0cm Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious Bizen pottery lineage; his grandfather was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki. Koichiro aspired to become a ceramic artist from a young age. After graduating from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He spent approximately two years studying ceramics under New York-based potter Jeff Shapiro, which greatly broadened his perspective on art and ceramics. After returning to Japan in 2000, he continued his training under the guidance of his father and his father's apprentices. In 2002, he submitted a piece to the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Exhibition, where it was selected for the first time.