Bizen Hidasuki Unetubo

This is a Bizen Hidasuki ribbed jar by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and who breathes new life into the world of Bizen ware with his exceptional sense and masterful sculpting ability. This Hidasuki ribbed jar is eye-catching for its original style, characteristic of Koichiro-sensei, who constantly explores new techniques unrestricted by existing methods and seeks out the potential sleeping within clay that would otherwise be discarded. He has formed a unique silhouette by carefully shaving away the clay at regular intervals; though it is a hard-fired ceramic, it feels like a living creature, reminiscent of a flower bud or a jellyfish. For the firing, a climbing kiln was chosen to achieve a vivid Hidasuki effect, avoiding sesame-glaze (goma) to display a simple yet bold Hidasuki pattern. The piece has a powerful presence on its own and can be enjoyed just as it is displayed. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 23.0cm x Diameter 22.6cm x Height 17.3cm 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 ceramic artist 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 ceramics for about two years under Jeff Shapiro, a ceramic artist 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 exhibited and was selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Exhibition in 2002.