This is a piece made by "Jun Isezaki," a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) of Bizen ware. There is a mark on the back. Recently, gallery owners from Europe have come to inspect the work, and it is attracting attention from overseas. While there are no noticeable scratches and the condition seems good, please refrain from purchasing if you are seeking perfection or are overly sensitive, as this item has been stored in a private home. Only those who understand that this is a used item are welcome to purchase. About Bizen Ware ↓ The history of Bizen ware is ancient, with Sueki pottery, which was introduced from Korea during the Kofun period, developing from the Heian period to the Kamakura period, and settling into the current form of Bizen ware. It was mainly used as daily necessities, and in the Muromachi period, it became associated with the tea ceremony. In the Momoyama period, it was also favored by top tea masters such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Sen no Rikyu. Bizen ware is hard and difficult to break, so it was valued as a daily use vessel and also as a tea ceremony utensil. In the Edo period, under the protection and control of the domain, large-scale communal kilns were built, and a production system by six kiln families was established. However, in the late Edo period, it temporarily declined due to the spread of porcelain, but through the efforts of people like Toyo Kaneshige, its artistry was enhanced and it regained popularity. About Jun Isezaki ↓ Born in 1936 in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, as the second son of the Bizen ware potter "Yoza Isezaki." Mitsuru Isezaki, also a potter, is his older brother. After graduating from the Special Fine Arts Department of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University in 1959, he studied under his father and began making pottery. In 1961, he and his brother restored a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln at the Koya-san old kiln site and held their first kiln firing. In 1966, he became a regular member of the Japan Kogei Association. In 1978, he became a lecturer in the Special Fine Arts Department at Okayama University. In 1998, he was certified as a holder of the Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property. He became a director of the Japan Kogei Association and the secretary-general of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kogei Association. In 2002, he created the ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister's official residence. On September 2, 2004, he was certified as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure). In 2006, an exhibition of his disciples was held in Boston, supported by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Harvard University. Awards Received 1981: Toyo Kaneshige Award 1993: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award 1996: Sanyo Shimbun Award (Cultural Merit Award) 2004: Received the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award 2005: Received the Okayama Prefecture Culture Award Size → Approximately 23cm in diameter The plate stand is not included. If you purchase immediately, it will be assumed that you have agreed to the purchase, so please look at the photos carefully before purchasing to avoid any misunderstandings such as "it's different from what I expected" after purchase. (If you have any concerns, please be sure to check with us in the comments before purchasing) #BizenWare #LivingNationalTreasure #Plate