An extraordinary sculptural vessel by Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Bizen Kuro Shihōsogi Tsubo (Black Bizen Four-Sided Carved Vessel). Its tall, imposing rectangular form rises from a narrow base to an open, irregularly cut mouth. The four faces are divided by boldly incised diagonal and horizontal lines, creating an interplay of geometric planes that shifts continuously as the work is viewed from different angles. Deep triangular openings cut through the upper walls, while an angular opening at the base introduces a striking sense of architectural space, transforming the vessel into a composition of solid mass and carefully articulated voids. The surface is enveloped in a lustrous black firing finish, varying from deep charcoal to glossy, almost lacquer-like passages, with areas of exposed reddish-brown clay and subtle flashes of blue and silver. The rough, blistered textures and accumulated deposits contrast with the sharply defined edges and incised lines, revealing the expressive possibilities of clay transformed by intense heat. These variations lend an almost geological character to the surface, as though the vessel had been shaped as much by the forces of nature as by the hand of the artist. It measures 14.5 x 17 x 52 cm (5-5/3 x 6-5/8 x 20-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition.
Isezaki Jun has played a central role in expanding the expressive vocabulary of Bizen pottery, moving beyond the traditional forms of utilitarian vessels to explore the sculptural potential of unglazed stoneware. In this work, the ancient relationship between earth and fire is brought into dialogue with a distinctly contemporary sensibility, its commanding verticality, angular construction, and dramatic openings suggesting an abstract architectural monument. Despite its powerful sculptural presence, the open mouth preserves its identity as a vessel, maintaining a subtle connection to the functional origins of Bizen ceramics.
Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.
Isezaki Jun was born the second son to the prominent Bizen family of Isezaki Yozan. With his older brother Mitsuru he studied the plastic arts under the fierce tutelage of his father. He has displayed consistently at the Nihon Dento Kogei Ten (National Japanese Crafts Exhibition) since 1961 and was recipient of the coveted Kaneshige Toyo prize. It was Jun who took up the work of Kaneshige Toyo upon his death, continuing to revitalize and innovate, combining functional forms and modern sculptural shapes. He was the teacher of a host of important artists including Kakurezaki Ryuichi, Wakimoto Hiroyuki and American artists Donna Gilliss among dozens of others. He was named a Living National Treasure (Juyo Mukei Bunkazai or Intangible cultural property) in 2004.
