Isezaki Mitsuru (1934-2011)

Bizen Korogashi Flower Vase

Inv. Nr. #17.018
Date End 20th C.
Material Ash glazed stoneware
Dimensions H 23,2  x Diam. ca. 13 cm

Comes with fitted signed and sealed wooden box.

Price: EUR 5,500

An excellent masterpiece made by Isezaki Mitsuru. This Bizen flower vase was laying on the side during firing (korogashi, 'knocked over'). Heavy ash glaze results in strong horizontal glaze traces which are often ending in single, brilliant glaze drops (bidoro, 'vitrified glass'). Circular shaped reverse patterns (botamochi, 'rice cake pattern') with beautiful and lively color changing of red, orange and green (yōhen) are the visible traces of the firing supports. Since korogashi pieces are often victims of the strong atmospheric changes in the kiln and their result often unpredictable, they are the most valued pieces within the wide range of works of Japanese ceramists.

 

Isezaki Mitsuru was born 1934 and member of the Nihon Kōgei Kai (Japan Association for Arts and Crafts). He holds the Kaneshige-Tōyō Price from 1973 and was rewarded the title "Okayama Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property" in 1998. His younger brother is Isezaki Jun (*1936) who is a Japanese "Living National Treasure".