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No. 8121
Bizen Yohen Guinomi
¥132,000
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Description
Drawing a wealth of inspiration from the natural environment of his beloved home of Bizen, Jun Isezaki brought a new spirit to the tradition of Bizen ware. This is a Bizen Yohen Guinomi by the artist.
This piece was fired by Jun Isezaki some time ago and was one of the works he had kept in his own possession. Particularly striking is the sharply defined *Nuke* area, a relatively rare effect even among the varied kiln transformations produced in an Anagama kiln.
Anagama Yohen itself is especially rare among Isezaki’s works, and this piece stands out even within that group for the exceptional intensity of its firing. The powerful Hai-kaburi rivals that seen in works from a climbing kiln, developing a distinctive metallic sheen that gives the surface remarkable beauty.
The *Nuke* on the front remained protected enough to escape complete transformation despite being surrounded by intense flames. Its delicately fired clay surface retains a faint scarlet tone, which becomes even richer and more beautiful when moistened during use.
Another notable feature is the vivid *Kumadori* marking along the boundary between the Yohen and Nuke areas. Here, the clay has developed a meltingly rich reddish-purple tone accompanied by golden metallic highlights, creating an especially beautiful transition.
To allow the kiln effects to take center stage, the form is simple and generously proportioned, without decorative elements such as impressed markings. This restraint, in turn, makes the graceful arch of the Kumadori boundary even more striking.
This piece was fired by Jun Isezaki some time ago and was one of the works he had kept in his own possession. Particularly striking is the sharply defined *Nuke* area, a relatively rare effect even among the varied kiln transformations produced in an Anagama kiln.
Anagama Yohen itself is especially rare among Isezaki’s works, and this piece stands out even within that group for the exceptional intensity of its firing. The powerful Hai-kaburi rivals that seen in works from a climbing kiln, developing a distinctive metallic sheen that gives the surface remarkable beauty.
The *Nuke* on the front remained protected enough to escape complete transformation despite being surrounded by intense flames. Its delicately fired clay surface retains a faint scarlet tone, which becomes even richer and more beautiful when moistened during use.
Another notable feature is the vivid *Kumadori* marking along the boundary between the Yohen and Nuke areas. Here, the clay has developed a meltingly rich reddish-purple tone accompanied by golden metallic highlights, creating an especially beautiful transition.
To allow the kiln effects to take center stage, the form is simple and generously proportioned, without decorative elements such as impressed markings. This restraint, in turn, makes the graceful arch of the Kumadori boundary even more striking.
Details
- Pottery Type
- guinomi
- Dimensions
- W7.2cm × D6.9cm × H7.8cm
About the Artist
Jun Isezaki (1936–2026) was born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a Bizen ware artist known for his skill in decorative and sculptural works.
He learned ceramic techniques from his father from an early age. After graduating from the Special Art Course in the Faculty of Education at Okayama University in 1959, he began pursuing pottery in earnest.
In 1962, together with his elder brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he reconstructed a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln and successfully fired it.
In addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea wares, he worked extensively on highly sculptural creations, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.
Isezaki placed particular importance on forming and firing. By making full use of the distinctive characteristics of anagama kilns, climbing kilns, and electric kilns, he established a unique style filled with a contemporary sensibility.
He was also a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs in Bizen ware and produced numerous works, particularly for public facilities.
In 1966, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. From 1978 to 1987, he served as a lecturer in the Special Art Course of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University.
In 1998, together with his elder brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he was designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In the same year, he was appointed a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and secretary-general of its Chugoku Branch.
In 2002, he created a ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister’s Official Residence.
In 2004, he became the fifth Bizen ware artist to be designated a national Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property, commonly known as a Living National Treasure.
In 2025, he was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit.
Jun Isezaki passed away in 2026.
Major awards and honors include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Excellence Award at the Chanoyu no Zokeiten (Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Ceramics), the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.
He learned ceramic techniques from his father from an early age. After graduating from the Special Art Course in the Faculty of Education at Okayama University in 1959, he began pursuing pottery in earnest.
In 1962, together with his elder brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he reconstructed a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln and successfully fired it.
In addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea wares, he worked extensively on highly sculptural creations, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.
Isezaki placed particular importance on forming and firing. By making full use of the distinctive characteristics of anagama kilns, climbing kilns, and electric kilns, he established a unique style filled with a contemporary sensibility.
He was also a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs in Bizen ware and produced numerous works, particularly for public facilities.
In 1966, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. From 1978 to 1987, he served as a lecturer in the Special Art Course of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University.
In 1998, together with his elder brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he was designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. In the same year, he was appointed a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and secretary-general of its Chugoku Branch.
In 2002, he created a ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister’s Official Residence.
In 2004, he became the fifth Bizen ware artist to be designated a national Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property, commonly known as a Living National Treasure.
In 2025, he was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit.
Jun Isezaki passed away in 2026.
Major awards and honors include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Excellence Award at the Chanoyu no Zokeiten (Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Ceramics), the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.