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No. 8177
Bizen Kuro 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 Kuro-Guinomi by the artist.
Fired several years ago, it is a work from the later period of his career.
The piece was fired in a semi-underground Anagama kiln while absorbing a large amount of smoke, resulting in a distinctive luster quite different from that seen on his more typical black works.
Kigoma concentrated around the rim flows across the black surface like an inverted flame. Combined with the rich sheen of the clay, it creates a majestic, almost painterly atmosphere.
While the exterior has an almost wet-looking sheen, the interior and foot display a contrasting matte texture. The coarse stone particles within the clay body are visible through the surface, giving these areas a particularly intriguing character.
Around the lower body, the vessel features impressed decorative markings, a technique characteristic of Jun Isezaki. The sophisticated pentagonal form, created in conjunction with these impressed patterns, adds another distinctive element to the design.
With its two contrasting types of black luster, its powerful yet refined form, and its many varied surface effects, this Guinomi is a work filled with the qualities characteristic of Jun Isezaki.
Fired several years ago, it is a work from the later period of his career.
The piece was fired in a semi-underground Anagama kiln while absorbing a large amount of smoke, resulting in a distinctive luster quite different from that seen on his more typical black works.
Kigoma concentrated around the rim flows across the black surface like an inverted flame. Combined with the rich sheen of the clay, it creates a majestic, almost painterly atmosphere.
While the exterior has an almost wet-looking sheen, the interior and foot display a contrasting matte texture. The coarse stone particles within the clay body are visible through the surface, giving these areas a particularly intriguing character.
Around the lower body, the vessel features impressed decorative markings, a technique characteristic of Jun Isezaki. The sophisticated pentagonal form, created in conjunction with these impressed patterns, adds another distinctive element to the design.
With its two contrasting types of black luster, its powerful yet refined form, and its many varied surface effects, this Guinomi is a work filled with the qualities characteristic of Jun Isezaki.
Details
- Dimensions
- W7.5cm×7.3cm×H6.7cm
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 vessels, 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, 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 vessels, 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, 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.