Bizen Hanaike

This is an earlier Bizen flower vase by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who has consistently led the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative force. A biography of his career up to 1980 is enclosed, suggesting it is a piece from that period. It is a classic "shallot-shaped" vase with a slender neck that makes it easy to arrange flowers. Unlike his current works featuring white clay fired in an anagama kiln, this piece has a sophisticated finish reminiscent of a climbing kiln firing, based on sesame and sangiri effects. The appearance, which follows the royal road of Bizen ware, serves as a supporting role that highlights the colors of the flowers arranged within. Signed wooden box (double-crosspiece lid)
Diameter 13.0cm x Diameter 12.9cm x Height 24.5cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic ornamentation, and studied pottery from a young age. After graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959, he entered the path of a ceramic artist. His works range widely from traditional pieces such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to sculptural works including ceramic wall art and objects. In his creative process, he emphasizes both forming and firing. His hallmark style is one imbued with a modern sensibility that leverages the characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric). As a leading figure in relief art, he has presented numerous works. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a lecturer in the Special Art Course at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his older brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he began serving as the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
Awards: Numerous awards including the Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Modeling, etc. / Served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition