Bizen Yohen Guinomi

This is a newly kiln-unloaded Bizen Yohen guinomi by Jun Isezaki, a Living National Treasure whose creativity never runs dry and who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware.

It is his latest work, unloaded from the kiln in February 2026.

Among Jun Isezaki’s works, Anagama Yohen pieces are especially rare, and as can be seen from the fact that even the inside of the foot is densely covered in ash-induced Yohen, this piece was fired under tremendous heat, buried in embers in the middle section of the kiln.

The back has received an intense ash covering, almost like cooled and solidified magma, and the rich gray Yohen, reminiscent of noborigama firing, is particularly beautiful.

The open area on the front has also been thoroughly fired by the force of the flames, creating a distinctive clay surface in which a deep shiso-purple tone is interwoven with a slight metallic luster.

The clay surface in the interior as well has taken on a completely dry, matte texture through the strong firing, yet when sake is poured into it, the clay seems to come back to life with striking vividness, as if revived by a long-awaited gentle rain.

The form is simple, without decorative elements such as impressed patterns, in order to harmonize with the Yohen, but this restraint only serves to highlight the beauty of the Yohen Line all the more.

It is slightly unstable due to the shape of the foot and the fire effects, but once sake is poured in, it becomes stable.

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.