Kuro Kaku Guinomi

This is a brand new black square sake cup, fresh from the kiln by Koichiro Isezaki, who was born as the eldest son of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and who breathes new life into the world of Bizen ware with his extraordinary sense and skillful sculpting ability. It is his latest work, finished with the black slip that has become synonymous with the Isezaki family. The thoroughly fired black surface is smooth and lustrous, a delightful finish for a piece that will come into contact with the lips and fingers like a sake cup. Although it belongs to the "square sake cup" series, which has become a staple in Koichiro-sensei's sake cup designs, this piece is lower in height than previous versions, giving it a design reminiscent of a square wooden measuring cup (masu). With its innovative, black-masu-like finish, it is easy to use, and the spatulated corners mitigate the difficulty of drinking often associated with such shapes. The size is also perfectly suited to a standard sake cup, making this an excellent vessel that combines chic black, innovative design, and ease of use. Signed wooden box to follow
Diameter 6.1cm × 5.8cm × Height 4.2cm 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. He aspired to pottery 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 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 submitted work to the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Exhibition for the first time, where it was selected.