No. 6565

Bizen Kuro Guinomi

Jun Isezaki

¥120,000

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Description

This new work was fired in December 2021.
He creates works using standard Bizen clay, applying black clay after the pieces have dried.
"Kuro" (black) is made from clay with a high iron content found in the Osafune district of Okayama Prefecture.
A small amount of cobalt is added after dissolving the clay in water to create a liquid slip.
The black clay applied to the work transforms into a beautiful black when fired.
In areas where the "Goma" (ash glaze) overlaps and burns, it shifts to a beautiful blue color due to the effect of the cobalt.

Jun Isezaki (1936–2026) was born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a Bizen ware artist renowned for his skill in decorative and sculptural works.

He learned ceramic techniques from his father from an early age. After graduating from the Special Art Course in the Faculty of Education at Okayama University in 1959, he began pursuing pottery in earnest.

In 1962, together with his elder brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he reconstructed a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln and successfully fired it.

In addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea wares, he worked extensively on highly sculptural creations, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.

Isezaki placed particular importance on forming and firing. By making full use of the distinctive characteristics of anagama kilns, climbing kilns, and electric kilns, he established a unique style infused with a contemporary sensibility.

He was also a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs in Bizen ware and produced numerous works, particularly for public facilities.

In 1966, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. From 1978 to 1987, he served as a lecturer in the Special Art Course of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University.

In 1998, together with his elder brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he was designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In the same year, he was appointed a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and secretary-general of its Chugoku Branch.

In 2002, he created a ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister’s Official Residence.

In 2004, he became the fifth Bizen ware artist to be designated a national Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property, commonly known as a Living National Treasure.

In 2025, he was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit.

Jun Isezaki passed away in 2026.

Major awards and honors include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Excellence Award at the Chanoyu no Zokeiten, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.

Details

Pottery Type
guinomi
Dimensions
W6.8cm x D6.7cm x H7.5cm
About the Artist
Jun Isezaki (1936–2026) was born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a Bizen ware artist known for his skill in decorative and sculptural works.

He learned ceramic techniques from his father from an early age. After graduating from the Special Art Course in the Faculty of Education at Okayama University in 1959, he began pursuing pottery in earnest.

In 1962, together with his elder brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he reconstructed a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln and successfully fired it.

In addition to traditional vessels such as flower vessels, plates, and tea wares, he worked extensively on highly sculptural creations, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.

Isezaki placed particular importance on forming and firing. By making full use of the distinctive characteristics of anagama kilns, climbing kilns, and electric kilns, he established a unique style filled with a contemporary sensibility.

He was also a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs in Bizen ware and produced numerous works, particularly for public facilities.

In 1966, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. From 1978 to 1987, he served as a lecturer in the Special Art Course of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University.

In 1998, together with his elder brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he was designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In the same year, he was appointed a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and secretary-general of its Chugoku Branch.

In 2002, he created a ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister’s Official Residence.

In 2004, he became the fifth Bizen ware artist to be designated a national Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property, commonly known as a Living National Treasure.

In 2025, he was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit.

Jun Isezaki passed away in 2026.

Major awards and honors include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Excellence Award at the Chanoyu no Zokeiten, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.

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