Bizen Yunomi

Drawing a wealth of inspiration from the natural environment of his beloved home of Bizen, Jun Isezaki brought a new spirit to the tradition of Bizen ware. This is a newly released Bizen Yunomi by the artist.

Fired in February 2026, it is a work from the final period of his career.

The Yunomi was fired for approximately ten days in a semi-underground Anagama kiln. Its surface displays many of the kiln effects representative of Isezaki’s Bizen ware, including Goma, Hidasuki, fine thread-like Goma, and a gradation between white clay and vivid scarlet tones.

This work was formed from a coarse, sandy clay, and individual grains of sand can be seen emerging through the gradation of scarlet coloring.

Rice straw was placed diagonally across the vessel, creating a Hidasuki pattern that circles the entire Yunomi. The flowing path of the straw is so captivating that one may easily lose track of time while following it around the surface.

As the straw burned, it fused with the natural ash glaze and transformed into an effect known as Ito-Goma, while still preserving the delicate shape of the original straw.

Inside the Yunomi, Goma carried by the hot air of the Anagama kiln has settled in exceptionally fine particles, resembling a light covering of powdery snow.

Although the box inscription identifies the work as a Yunomi, it may, of course, also be enjoyed as a beer cup.

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.