Bizen-yaki Sake Set

This is a Bizen sake set by the Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who consistently leads the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power. Judging by the signature on the box and the style, this work was created before he was designated a Living National Treasure, during the time he held the title of Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property. The set consists of a sake bottle and a sake cup that exhibit the distinct characteristics of a wood-fired anagama kiln. It features an interesting combination of a white clay-based bottle fired using the "kabuse" (covered) technique and a red clay-based sake cup. The bottle offers a compelling contrast between the deep scarlet of the body, reminiscent of apple skin, and the neck, where the kabuse technique brings out the original essence of the white clay. The red clay-based sake cup is lightly dusted with "goma" (ash glaze), appearing as though small yellow flowers are blooming within the red earth. (There are no signs of use or stains.) Original wooden box (shiho-san style) *Includes an updated ceramic career biography.
Sake bottle: mouth 3.5cm, body diameter 9.7cm, height 13.1cm, capacity approx. 400cc
Sake cup: diameter 6.9cm x 6.7cm, height 4.5cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft. He learned pottery from a young age and pursued it professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is diverse, ranging from traditional items like flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares to sculptural pieces and ceramic wall art. He places great emphasis on both forming and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns) to create a style that overflows with contemporary sensibility. He is also renowned as a leading relief artist and has presented numerous works in this medium. He became a regular member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1966 and served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property Holders, and in the same year, he served as Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kogei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Numerous honors including the Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, and Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition, among others / Served as a judge for prefectural exhibitions