Isezaki Mitsuru - Bizen yohen flower vase with ears

Japan, Bizen, circa 1984-1990.

Wood-fired Bizen stoneware, natural vitrified ash effects, yohen, botamochi reserve, tool marks. Original signed and sealed tomobako. Piece marked under the base. Perfect condition.

This flower vase for the tea ceremony features a powerful cylindrical shape, constricted under a wide, thick rim. Two small side ears give the piece its mimitsuki hanaire character.

The surface combines a large botamochi reserve, reddish-brown, ash-grey and black passages, as well as vitrified ash deposits on the shoulder, rim and base. The body retains tool marks, incisions and oblique striations.

Isezaki Mitsuru, born in Bizen in 1934 and died in 2011, was the eldest son of Isezaki Yozan. He studied sculpture at Okayama University, then trained with his father. In 1961, with his brother Isezaki Jun, he participated in the reconstruction of a medieval anagama kiln. In 1998, he was recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder of Okayama Prefecture.

Dimensions: H. 23.5 cm x W. 14 cm x D. 12 cm.