Bizen Kuro Guinomi

This is a newly fired Bizen black sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. This piece was fired in the Anagama kiln at Mt. Koya, which he restored alongside his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru, and it perfectly exhibits the characteristics of black Bizen works fired in an Anagama kiln. Thoroughly bathed in flames from the back, high-quality pine firewood has created "gold dust" sesame glazes that overflowed toward the front, forming a stunning "tamadare" (bead-drip) pattern. Furthermore, "kase-goma" (matte-dry sesame glaze) has formed on the rim, which, combined with the black-coated clay, has shifted into a dark cobalt blue, creating what is known as "blue yohen" (kiln change). The fact that this blue yohen is located exactly on the rim is fascinating; when wet with sake during use, the colors become even more vibrant, delighting not only the palate but the eyes as well. It is a powerful work rich with the dynamic variations typical of his black pieces. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 6.8cm × 6.6cm × Height 7.3cm Jun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic ornamentation. He began learning ceramics from a young age and entered the craft full-time after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His work covers a broad spectrum, ranging from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares to ceramic murals and sculptural objects. In his creative process, he emphasizes both molding and firing, bringing a contemporary sensibility to his work by leveraging the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (Anagama, Noborigama, and electric kilns). He is also recognized as a leading artist in ceramic reliefs and has unveiled numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art instructor at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both designated as holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, 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 a Living National Treasure (Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property).
Awards: Recipient of numerous honors, including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition; has also served as a judge for prefectural exhibitions.