Shiro Guinomi

This is a white sake cup, fresh from the kiln, by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and who breathes new life into the Bizen pottery world with his exceptional sense and masterful sculpting ability. Without using any glazes, this work is created by high-firing a special white clay from Ibe, turning even the "goma" (ash glaze) white. The thick goma on the front reacts with the white clay, creating a unique, cloudily white hue reminiscent of Karatsu straw-ash glaze. Other parts appear as if lightly coated with a transparent glaze, a testament to the intricate reaction of the white clay to the goma, helping one understand the deep fascination the white clay holds for Isezaki. Inside, the cloudy natural glaze flows into the basin, drawing the eye with a unique, creamy shade that appears both flesh-toned and brownish-tan. Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 8.3cm × Diameter 8.2cm × Height 5.6cm Koichiro Isezaki was born the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The Isezaki family is a prestigious line in Bizen pottery, with his grandfather being the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki; he himself aspired to pottery from an early age. After graduating from the sculpture department of Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He studied pottery for about two years under potter Jeff Shapiro, who resides in New York City, which greatly broadened his perspective on art and ceramics. After returning to Japan in 2000, he worked and trained under the guidance of his father's disciples. In 2002, he exhibited for the first time at the Tanabe Museum of Art’s Tea Ceremony Exhibition, where his work was selected.