Bizen Mimitsuki Hanaike

This is an earlier Bizen-ware vase with handles by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with his inexhaustible creativity. It includes a ceramic history document from around 1989, suggesting it was produced during that period. Rather than the wood-fired anagama kiln style frequently used by Isezaki today, this piece features a refined, austere finish from a climbing kiln, reminiscent of his brother Mitsuru's work. It faithfully follows the traditional style of a Bizen-ware handled vase, featuring a "yahazu" (arrow-notch) rim, attached handles, and a "yamamichi" (mountain path) motif; with "goma" (ash glaze) on the rim and "sangiri" (partially reduced firing) around the base, it is a textbook example of a handled vase. It comes in its original paulownia wood box from that time, making it ideal for gifts. (*Please note that although there are no signs of use or dirt, this is an earlier work.) Signed box (Shiho-san)
Diameter 14.7cm x 13.0cm x Height 21.9cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his intricate ceramic carvings. He began learning pottery in his childhood and embarked on his career after graduating from the Okayama University special art course in 1959. His body of work is wide-ranging, encompassing traditional pieces such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares, as well as sculptural works like ceramic walls and objects. He places great emphasis on both forming and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric) to create a style imbued with a modern sensibility. He is also recognized as a leading relief artist, having unveiled numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and in the same year, he became the Secretary General of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition / Prefectural Exhibition Judge