Bizen Sakazuki

Koichiro Isezaki is Jun Isezaki's eldest son.
He uses the same wood-fired tunnel kiln (known in Japan as anagama) as his father and his father's disciple.
This Guinomi was fired in 2012.
This piece was fired while placed upside-down atop another work, like a hat resting on a head.
Although this is a traditional firing method, Koichiro Isezaki’s unique approach gives it a remarkably fresh and contemporary impression.
Positioned in a high-temperature zone, typically used for firing jars and other large vessels upside-down, the entire surface is richly covered with shizen-yu (natural ash glaze).
Its domed shape evokes the image of a straw hat deflecting heavy rain, creating a striking and playful visual.
The abundant Goma (sesame-like ash deposits) has flowed not only across the outer surface but also into the interior, pooling around the shell used to prevent adhesion during firing.
This has resulted in a fascinating Kaiato (shell mark) and fire-mark effect that resembles the delicate wings of a butterfly.

He was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, as the eldest son of Jun Isezaki in 1974.
He graduated from Tokyo Zokei University in 1996.
He studied ceramics in NY and has been active since 2000.