Set of two Bizen ware mugs

This is a special set of two Bizen ware mugs by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power. These are rare mugs specially crafted after he was designated a Living National Treasure. They feature a very stylish geometric pattern while retaining a basic, user-friendly design that makes them highly practical. This pair allows you to enjoy both the brilliant red produced by the anagama kiln—the hallmark of Isezaki’s work—and his innovative black Bizen style. Each with signed wooden box (fuhozan)
Cup: approx. 9.5cm diameter x 7.5cm diameter x 8.3cm height
Saucer: approx. 11.6cm diameter x 11.5cm diameter x 1.9cm height Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of fine ceramic craft, and learned pottery from a young age. After graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959, he entered the path of ceramics. His work spans a wide range, from traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to sculptural works like ceramic walls and objets d'art. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. He is known for a style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that leverages the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns). Furthermore, he is a leading figure in relief art and has presented numerous works in this field. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a lecturer in the Special Art Course at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both designated Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and in the same year, he became the Secretary-General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Awards: Numerous, including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition / Prefectural Exhibition Juror