Kuro Guinomi

This is a brand-new black sake cup, fresh from the kiln, by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and is breathing new life into the world of Bizen ware with his exceptional sense and masterful sculpting ability. He created this piece by tearing a lump of clay in two, stacking the pieces, and then shaping it by hand; the resulting tear marks remain as a rugged, rock-like landscape that exudes immense power. Using black clay, which is often utilized for items such as swords, the piece is finished with a delicate dusting of sesame glaze (goma) over the rim and interior, which highlights the beauty of the form and the black clay itself. The glaze reacts beautifully with the rugged ridges on the front—where the clay was torn—creating a subtle cobalt blue hue. Signed wooden box to follow at a later date (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 8.4cm x Diameter 8.2cm x Height 6.2cm Koichiro Isezaki was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious name in Bizen ware; his grandfather was Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki, and he aspired to become a potter 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 studied pottery for approximately 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 worked hard at his craft under the guidance of his father and his father’s students. In 2002, he exhibited for the first time at the Tanabe Museum of Art’s Tea Ceremony Exhibition, where his work was selected.