Bizen Kuro Kaku Hanaike

This Bizen black square flower vase is by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. It is no exaggeration to say that this piece, as one of his representative works, helped lead the transformation of Bizen pottery. The shoulder of the piece is covered with a thick layer of yellow "goma" (ash glaze), reminiscent of fallen powdery snow, creating a stunning contrast between the black and gold. The quiet yet magnificent beauty expressed in his black works is so striking that the vase can be displayed as an object of art in its own right, even without flowers. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 13.0cm x Diameter 10.3cm x Height 26.8cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft, and learned pottery from an early age. After graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959, he entered the path of pottery. His work encompasses a wide range, from traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to ceramic murals and sculptural objects. In his creative process, he places great importance on both forming and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that draws out the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns). Furthermore, he has released numerous works as a leading creator of relief sculptures. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, and in the same year, he served as Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property). Awards... Winner of the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, and many others / Juror for Prefectural Exhibitions