Bizen Guinomi

Jun Isazaki is a Living National Treasure recognized for Bizen ware (the fifth person to be so honored for this craft).
He fires his works using a straight, tunnel-shaped kiln known as an "Anagama."
The flames of the Anagama kiln rush into the back of the chamber in a single burst.
The fired pieces typically feature brown or white gradations set against a bright red base.
However, this Guinomi (sake cup) does not exhibit those usual characteristics; instead, its entire body is covered in natural ash glaze.
A large accumulation of natural glaze has formed a band across the front, resulting in a solidified "bead" of glaze.
This piece was fired in May 2021.

He was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1936.
He graduated from Okayama University in 1959.
He was designated a Living National Treasure in 2004.