Bizen Yohen Tokkuri

This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen yohen sake bottle by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power. This magnificent bottle features an exquisite black finish created by the natural glaze of an anagama kiln, rather than applied slip. Anagama kiln-fired yohen works are extremely rare due to the small number that can be produced, and this piece, in particular, displays a superlative black finish unlike anything I have seen before. From the diverse landscapes of natural glaze inherent to anagama firing, three distinct shades of black have emerged: the dull, lead-like black sheen on the neck and above, the ash-covered and flowing black sesame glaze on the back created by scorched, flying ash, and finally, the earthy black in the areas shielded from direct flame, which has fired to a texture resembling steel. In all my years of acquiring works directly from the kiln, I believe I have never encountered a piece so singularly focused on a black finish derived from natural ash, rather than applied clay. Despite its large and imposing form, it is remarkably light and easy to use, allowing you to fully enjoy this exquisite world of black to your heart's content. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Rim 3.8cm × Body diameter 9.5cm × Body diameter 9.5cm × Height 14.2cm, Capacity approx. 500cc Born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic crafts, Jun Isezaki studied pottery from a young age and entered the craft professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to ceramic walls and abstract sculptures. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. His style is characterized by a modern sensibility that maximizes the unique properties of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading relief artist and has presented numerous works in this medium. He became a full member of the Japan Kogei 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 designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, and in the same year, he became the secretary-general of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kogei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Awards: Numerous awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition / Prefectural Exhibition Juror