Bizen Kuro Guinomi

This is a newly fired Bizen black sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. This piece was fired in the Anagama kiln at Mt. Koya, which he restored alongside his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru, and it perfectly captures the characteristics of black Bizen work fired in an Anagama kiln. Thoroughly bathed in flames from the back, high-quality pine firewood has caused a cascade of gold-dust-like "yellow sesame" (goma) glaze to overflow onto the front, forming a magnificent *tamadare* (dripping bead) pattern. The appearance is as if the black sake cup is being gently embraced by golden sesame, and the majestic contrast of gold and black possesses a splendor that is captivating every time you look at it. The waist of the piece features Jun Isezaki's signature *uchimon* (beaten pattern), where he has incised lines while shaping the cup into a gentle pentagon, a form further transformed into something even more dynamic by the intense heat of the flames. Original signed box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.9cm x 6.6cm x Height 7.0cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft, and learned pottery from an early age. He embarked on his career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is wide-ranging, encompassing traditional pieces such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics, as well as ceramic walls and art objects. In his creative process, he places great emphasis on both forming and firing. His style is characterized by a modern sensibility that leverages the unique qualities of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns). Furthermore, he is a leading figure in relief pottery and has unveiled numerous works. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special lecturer in art at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both certified as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and in the same year, he became the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition / Prefectural Exhibition Judge