Bizen Hikidashiguro Guinomi

This is a newly fired Bizen *hikidashiguro* (drawn-out black) sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. Crafted using the *hikidashi* technique, for which the Isezaki school is renowned, this sake cup is an exceptionally rare piece, with only a few such items successfully produced in any single kiln firing. Due to the *hikidashi* process, the *goma* (ash glaze) has transformed into a soft, pale yellow, while the black body has taken on a deep, clear hue reminiscent of obsidian, allowing one to enjoy the unique translucence characteristic of *hikidashiguro*. Furthermore, where the black has flowed into and overlapped with the *goma* areas, it reveals delicate, greenish tones. While most Bizen ware evokes images of intense flames and hot winds, *hikidashiguro* alone offers a scenery as delicate as glass and as gentle as falling rain. The scraping marks around the waist and the contraction marks from the rapid cooling are accentuated by the shading of the black glaze, making it appear as if ink is seeping from within the piece, which is truly intriguing. Signed wooden box to be provided later
Diameter 7.1cm × 6.9cm × Height 7.2cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master skilled in ornamental pottery. He began learning ceramics from an early age and embarked on a full-time career in the craft after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, spanning from traditional items like flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to sculptural pieces and ceramic murals. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing, leveraging the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to develop a style infused with a modern sensibility. He is also a leading figure in relief sculpture and has unveiled numerous works. He became a full 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 brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, 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 Chapter of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Numerous awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and an Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition / Prefectural Exhibition Judge