Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who has consistently led the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative spirit. This piece dates from the artist's middle period, crafted after he was designated a holder of an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property. Its appeal lies in its austere firing, reminiscent of the works of his elder brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, and truly representative of the Bizen tradition. The kiln changes, embodying the classic beauty of Bizen through *koge* (scorched marks), *goma* (ash glaze), and *sangiri* (reduction firing), intertwine in complex, overlapping layers to form a depth of surface only achievable in authentic Bizen ware. Furthermore, the earthy texture is overlaid with a metallic sheen, creating a unique, damp-looking quality that contrasts with the matte, heavily ash-glazed surface covering half of the exterior. (There are some firing peel marks, but these do not affect usage.) Signed wooden box (shihozan) included
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.5cm × Height 5.9cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an expert in ornamental pottery. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the craft professionally after graduating from the Okayama University Special Fine Arts Course in 1959. His works range widely from traditional pieces such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to sculptural objects and ceramic murals. In his creative process, he emphasizes both forming and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to produce a style imbued with a modern sensibility. He is also a leading figure in relief art, having presented numerous works. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special instructor at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both designated 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 a holder of a National Important Intangible Cultural Property.
Awards: Recipient of 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 Modeling Exhibition; served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition.