Bizen sake bottle

This is an earlier work of Bizen sake bottle by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative power. It includes a ceramic history document from around 1996, indicating it was produced during that period. Created just before Master Isezaki was designated as a Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property, the piece features a base of bright, refreshing white clay with low iron content, over which a generous amount of pure, golden sesame glaze—consistent with his current work—has flowed. The white clay section exhibits a subtle gradation into caramel brown due to the exquisite exposure to fire, creating a deeply tasteful contrast with the clean white clay. The classic "scallion" shape, characteristic of the master, has a well-balanced size, making it a perfect supporting player as both a sake vessel and a vase. (Please note that while there are no signs of dirt or use, this is a past work.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Rim 3.3cm × Body diameter 9.1cm × Body diameter 9.1cm × Height 12.4cm Capacity approx. 290cc Master Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in craftwork. He learned pottery from childhood and entered the field after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His work covers a wide range, from traditional items such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to sculptural pieces like ceramic walls and objects. In his production, he emphasizes both molding and firing. His style is characterized by a modern sensibility that makes the most of the materials and the kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). He has also released numerous works as a leading relief artist. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. For nine years starting in 1978, he served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and he served as the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association that same year. In July 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) by the national government.
Awards: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, and many others / Juror for the Prefectural Exhibition