GALLERY

[ Description of the Work ] Mr. Jun Isezaki, a Living National Treasure in the field of Bizen ware, devoted himself to creating the next generation of Bizen ware while respecting its traditions. This piece is a guinomi (sake cup) created during the later years of Mr. Isezaki’s career using the “Hikidashi” technique. “Hikidashi,” a traditional technique from the Tono region of Gifu, is a specialized method for firing Seto-kuro pottery. It seeks to achieve a beautiful black color by removing the piece from a kiln firing at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees and rapidly cooling it. Mr. Isezaki adapted this technique for Bizen ware. Due to the nature of this special technique, the number of pieces produced is limited, making them rare. The body features a hammered pattern, and the natural glaze—formed by ash falling inside the kiln—flows horizontally across the surface, creating a striking piece. This is a generously sized, upright guinomi with a shape characteristic of Mr. Isezaki’s work. It is signed on the foot.