Isezaki Shin (*1965)

Born in 1965 as second son of Isezaki Mitsuru (1934-2011), Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama, and as nephew of Isezaki Jun (*1936), Living National Treasure, it seems just natural, that Isezaki Shin inherited much of his talent from his predecessors to become one of the most promising Bizen potters of our time. Many of his works embody the old traditional Bizen techniques which are, however, interpreted in a fresh, lively and modern way. Just like in this tea caddy, the classic botamochi or 'rice cake' decor does not appear as a large single reserve pattern on the front of the tea caddy, but in three circular orange markings. This playful arrangement of the firing supports is leaving a powerful contrast to the unusual black, ash dusted surface at the back.  

Isezaki Shin works independently in his own kiln since 1999 and has been awarded many times for his traditional pottery production as well as for his progressive exploration of new Bizen techniques and firing methods. He has been accepted as a full member of the Nihon Kōgei Kai (Japan Arts and Crafts Association).

This exceptional tea caddy is marked underneath and comes with a large, fitted wooden box and two silk pouches. The box has an inscription by Isezaki Shin: Bizen yōhen mentori katashiki chaire ("Faceted Bizen tea caddy with distinct shoulders and kiln mutation") and is signed and sealed: Shin.

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