Isezaki Jun, the second son of potter Isezaki Yōzan, passed away in July 2026. He was one of the most distinguished masters of Bizen pottery, a ceramic tradition that originated nearly a thousand years ago in the Imbe district of Bizen, in present-day Okayama Prefecture. He was the fifth Bizen potter to be designated a Living National Treasure (2004) by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs.
He continually sought new methods of firing. Throughout his life, Isezaki played a major role in reviving the anagama kiln in 1961. This ancient, single-chamber kiln is built like a tunnel into a hillside and is especially suited to natural wood-ash firing.
This method is essential in Bizen pottery, in which pieces are fired without applied glaze, and the surface is reliant on the work of the kiln. During the firing, wood ash, flames, and other by-products of combustion settle on the clay, producing distinctive colors, textures, and surface effects. For Isezaki, the placement of each work within the kiln was therefore essential. Yet even for a potter of his experience, the final result could never be entirely predicted. The most exceptional pieces emerged from a balance of deliberate design and the unexpected transformations of fire. Isezaki sensei was a potter who understood this behavior of the kiln very deeply, and I admired this deeply during his life.
He fired carefully composed forms and patterns often possessed a bold, modern, and geometric character, while the subtle surfaces of the clay remained connected to the centuries-old Bizen tradition. He demonstrated how an ancient art form could continue to evolve, expand, and find new relevance.
Beyond his work, Isezaki sensei was known to have been an incredible mentor to many potters, invested in raising new talent in the world of Bizen to give the tradition a stronger voice that could last generations. His work speaks for itself: with Bizen now soaring new heights in the landscape of contemporary Japanese ceramics, his contributions are unmistakable. No one can deny the incredible legacy he has left behind.
Isezaki’s works have been exhibited internationally and are held in the collections of major institutions, including the British Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
He is survived by his son, Isezaki Koichirō and his family, to whom we extend our deep condolences and appreciation fo his father's craft.
His recent passing marks the loss of an incredible ceramic artist whose vision, and we will remember his work for years to come.
