Bizen Kaku Guinomi

Born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, Koichiro Isezaki is breathing new life into the world of Bizen ware with his extraordinary sense and skillful sculpting ability; this is a Bizen square sake cup just removed from his kiln. This ambitious piece combines the signature sharp, chiseled square form of his sake cup series with the *hidasuki* (fire-cord) finish typically reserved for his tea bowls. The sharp, refined atmosphere created by the square form pairs exquisitely with the soft, supple quality of the white-clay *hidasuki*, creating a unique contrast. Its unparalleled and original design makes it a piece that can be enjoyed not only for Japanese sake but also as a vessel for Western spirits. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
4.8cm (W) × 4.6cm (W) × 6.5cm (H) 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 the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was the Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki, so he aspired to become a potter from an early age. After graduating from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He learned ceramics 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 trained under the guidance of his father alongside his father's apprentices. He first submitted work to and was selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s Tea Ceremony Exhibition in 2002.