H5.6 x D25 x L46.8cm
As the bearer of the Living National Treasure title for Bizen-yaki, his natural wood ash firings produced the unique colorization of Bizen clay, a hallmark of the Bizen tradition.
Isezaki Jun was celebrated for having revived the anagama (Single chamber firing) in 1961 for Bizen pottery. The anagama is a type of single-chamber tunnel-like kiln that is dug into a hillside. It’s a firing method that suits natural wood-ash firing, from which successful results are a result of both careful design and fortuitous chance. His works reflect this duality in his planned patterning which frequently takes on a modern, geometric quality, as well as the subtle surface qualities in traditional Bizen clay. Isezaki’s commitment to the constant renewal of Bizen tradition earned him the title of Living National Treasure in 2004.