Bizen Guinomi

This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. It was fired in the ana-gama (climbing kiln) at Koya-san, which he reconstructed together with his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru, and it beautifully displays the unique characteristics of this firing method. This piece exhibits a well-balanced expression of the kiln’s effects, featuring iconic Isezaki Bizen traits such as goma (ash glaze), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), white kase-goma (dry ash), and a delicate gradation between white clay and scarlet tones. The piece was fired resting on its front side, allowing the flames of the ana-gama to sweep across it, starting from the rim; in the areas where the fire passed through, vibrant hidasuki patterns are etched into the white clay. Jun’s signature white kase-goma appears where the fire exited, complementing the amber-toned surface of the vessel perfectly. The base features his signature "uchimon" technique, where engraved lines subtly transform the form into a soft pentagon, lending it a novel and engaging quality. Original wooden box (tomobako) to follow later
Diameter 7.0cm x 6.7cm x Height 7.1cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic sculpture, and learned pottery from a young age. He entered the path of ceramics after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His work is broad in scope, ranging from traditional items like flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares to sculptural objects and ceramic wall pieces. In his practice, he emphasizes both forming and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (ana-gama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create works filled with a contemporary 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 instructor at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and he served as the executive director of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kōgei Association that same year. In July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, and many others / Prefectural Exhibition Juror