Bizen Guinomi

This is a new Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible creative power. This work was fired in the anagama kiln at Koyayama, which he restored together with his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru, and it beautifully displays the unique characteristics of anagama firing. In this piece, the fusion of the iron content in the clay and the natural ash glaze creates a mysterious landscape, as if the entire work were coated in glass. Black and ochre-colored kiln alterations appear here and there, which, combined with the glassy texture of the piece, give the appearance of being coated in candy glaze despite being an unglazed Bizen ware. Furthermore, perhaps influenced by the glassy kiln alterations, the yellow sesame ash glaze on the back has also transformed into a glass-like state, adding depth and variety to the scenery while maintaining a smooth texture. The interior, conversely, features a slightly matte texture typical of Bizen, with yellow sesame ash scattered like falling cherry blossoms across the vivid scarlet clay body. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 6.7cm x 6.6cm x Height 6.6cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of sculpted ceramics. He learned pottery from a young age and embarked on his career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional items such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to sculptural works like ceramic walls and objects. In his creation process, he places great importance on both shaping 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). He has also released numerous works as a leading figure in relief art. He became a regular 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 were both designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture 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 as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Awards: Numerous awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition / Prefecture Exhibition Judge