Kuro Saketsugi

This is a brand-new black sake server, freshly removed from the kiln by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and is breathing new life into the world of Bizen ware with his extraordinary sense of style and masterful sculptural skill. The piece was created by tearing a lump of clay into two, stacking them, and then hand-building the form; the marks from the tearing remain as a powerful, rock-face-like landscape that exudes immense intensity. The black slip, now synonymous with the Isezaki family, has reacted to intense firing to create a kiln-altered effect, resulting in a beautiful cobalt blue that seems to seep out from beneath the black surface. In other areas, the thoroughly fired black slip forms a matte black surface with a chic tone that suits his modern style perfectly; despite its outstanding presence, it will harmonize beautifully with any space. The spout features a particularly vivid cobalt blue, which will appear even more vibrant when wet, providing enjoyment each time you pour. With a capacity of approximately 180ml (1 go), it is sized for ease of use by anyone. Signed wooden box to follow
W11.2cm x 8.8cm x H7.2cm 180cc 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 Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, and his uncle was Intangible Cultural Property holder Mitsuru Isezaki, and he aspired to pursue pottery from an early age. After graduating from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo Zokei University in 1994, he studied abroad in the United States. He studied pottery for about 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 and 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.