Bizen Guinomi (Used)

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. This is an early work from the period between the early and middle stages of his career, crafted before he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. It is a sake cup with an intriguing appearance, featuring a striking scarlet hue like a perfectly ripe fruit on one side and intense ash coating like a rugged rock face on the other, creating a "katamigawari" (half-and-half) effect. It is a tall, sturdy, and generously sized cup, and in its powerful form, one can see the origins of his current style. The more it is used, the more the magnificent scarlet color will be polished to further brilliance. (There is no staining, but please be aware that it shows signs of use, as it is an older work.) Original wooden box (shiho-zan) included.
Diameter 6.7cm × Diameter 6.6cm × Height 6.1cm Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic ornaments, and learned pottery from a young age. He entered the path of professional pottery after graduating from the Special Fine Arts Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional items such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to sculptural works like ceramic walls and objects. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. His style is characterized by a modern sensibility that leverages the unique features of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He is also known as a leading relief artist and has presented numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special lecturer in fine arts at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as holders of Okayama Prefecture's Important Intangible Cultural Properties, 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 Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition / Served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition.