Bizen Kuro Tokkuri

This is a brand new black Bizen sake flask, fresh from the kiln of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative force. Fired in the Toyama climbing kiln, which he restored alongside his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru, this piece beautifully captures the unique characteristics of black Bizen work produced in a wood-firing kiln. Having received a generous baptism of flames from the back, high-quality pine firewood has caused gold-dust-like yellow sesame glaze to flow toward the front, forming a magnificent "tamanare" (beaded drip) pattern. Furthermore, "kase-goma" (dry sesame glaze) has formed from the rim to the shoulder, blending with the black clay to create a dark cobalt blue, known as "blue kiln transformation" (ao-yohen). This blue kiln transformation reacts sensitively to moisture and deepens in color, so applying a little sake to the surface before pouring will cause an interesting change. The black surface, fired with substantial heat, resembles a gemstone, resulting in a rich and impressive work of art. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
4.4 cm rim diameter (including drip) x 10.2 cm body diameter (including drip) x 9.6 cm body diameter x 14.5 cm height; Capacity: approx. 500cc Jun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his intricate ceramic work. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the field after graduating from the Okayama University Special Art Course in 1959. His body of work is wide-ranging, encompassing traditional pieces such as vases, dishes, and tea ceramics, as well as ceramic wall reliefs and sculptures. He places great emphasis on both the forming and firing processes, and his style is characterized by a modern sensibility that leverages the unique qualities of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns). As a leading figure in relief art, he has produced numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kogeikai in 1966 and served as a special art lecturer 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 Kogeikai that same year. In July 2004, he was designated a holder of a Nationally Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
Awards: Numerous awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition; served as a judge for the Prefectural Exhibition.