Bizen Tea Bowl by Living National Treasure, Isezaki Jun
- Artist:
- Living National Treasure, Isezaki Jun
- Era:
- Contemporary
- Price:
- SOLD
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- Contact gallery
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The distinctive and easily recognizable style of Bizen pieces, such as the one featured here, originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and has a long history that is closely intertwined with that of tea culture. Bizen-ware is known for employing a natural-ash glazing technique that is unique to this type of pottery and which requires extremely long firing times (7-14 days) at very high temperatures. This means that constant attention is required to ensure good results. The tea bowl here was made by one of the greatest Bizen potters of all time and shows many interesting and distinctive features including shell impressions, a beautiful sesame coloration on one of the squared sides of the vessel, and small stones protruding (with intention) from various locations.
Widely exhibited both domestically and abroad, Isezaki Jun (b. 1936) is one of only 5 potters in the field of Bizen pottery to have ever received the highest honor of being designated a Living National Treasure. Second son to one of Bizen pottery’s great masters, Isezaki Yōzan, from a very early age Jun took up this centuries-old tradition and, through the course of distinguished career, continued to innovate and surprise in interesting ways. Many of Jun’s pieces are created using a small-batch traditional anagama kiln dug into the side of a hill and wood fired for many days. Despite the use of such ancient methods, his careful planning and playful artistry result in many unique and varied ceramic landscapes. For these reasons, Isezaki Jun’s works have been exhibited and collected by major museums around the world including The British Museum; The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ; The Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art; The Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art; The Musée de Sèvres; and The Canterbury Museum in New Zealand.
This piece is 4.7 inches at its widest point (12 cm) and stands 3.4 inches tall (8.6 cm). In excellent condition, it bears Isezaki’s signature on the base, comes with its original signed box, and includes a protective cloth and informational insert detailing the kiln and artist ** Fully insured international shipping is included in the price.
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