This is a Bizen tea bowl created by Taizo Ishino, a member of the Japan Kogei Association with a unique career trajectory who worked at the forefront with creative artists as an editor of literary books and magazines at a publishing house before transitioning into the world of ceramics in his thirties. Underlying his creative ceramic life is a fundamental pursuit of the rustic quality inherent in the clay itself and the remarkably diverse baptism brought about by the wood fire inside the kiln. Based on his detailed ceramic biography listed up to 1989 (Heisei 1) in the brochure included with this piece, as well as descriptions indicating a period of energetic creative activity following the construction of his Anagama kiln in June 1982 (Showa 57), this work is estimated to be a masterpiece from his mature period, produced between 1982 and 1989 through grueling firing in an Anagama or Noborigama kiln. In his contributed essay, Akutagawa Prize-winning author Tetsuro Miura also highly praises Ishino's dedication to pottery, viewing it as the culmination of devotion by a person who deeply understands the human heart and has turned to the creative side.
What is most acclaimed in Taizo Ishino's Bizen ware is the complex and profound yohen (kiln-transformation) landscape created on the vessel's surface solely through clay selection and wood-kiln firing techniques, without applying any glaze whatsoever. Carefully inspecting the design of the work shown in the attached images, it is clear that his skill and aesthetic sense are fully demonstrated. The exterior of the vessel presents a vivid contrast between the calm Goma (natural ash glaze) skin—ranging from olive green to ochre formed by wood ash melting and settling at high temperatures—and the passionate scarlet (red-brown) hues produced by direct exposure to the flames. The entire vessel features hand-molded styling with subtle distortions and finger traces, creating a three-dimensional tactile quality that fits comfortably into the hands.
A particular highlight is the design of the Mikomi (interior bottom) of the vessel. At the center of the interior, three Kaime (shell support) marks used during firing remain, surrounded by a magnificent Hidasuki (fire-cord) landscape forming concentric circles of vivid scarlet. The Kohodai (foot ring) section is powerfully carved with a rugged form, where the boundary between the unglazed raw clay skin and the scorched marks strongly asserts the rustic and solid charm inherent to Bizen ware.
While this work was originally created as a formal tea bowl, its appropriate sense of weight—with a diameter of approximately 12.5 cm, height of approximately 7.7 cm, and weight of approximately 460 g—and its hand-conforming distorted structure allow it to function perfectly as an exquisite Japanese-style rocks glass in modern times. Floating large ice cubes and pouring thoroughly aged amber vintage sake, vintage whiskey, or aged awamori allows the concentric scarlet circles spreading across the interior and the color of the liquor to shimmer beautifully through the liquid. As an authentic work of traditional Japanese craft extremely difficult to obtain in overseas markets, we propose this piece not only as a tea utensil, but also as a supreme sake vessel where one can savor the aesthetic of Japanese earth and fire through both touch and vision to their heart's content.
《Excerpts from the Included Brochure》
- Greeting (Taizo Ishino, Regular Member of Japan Kogei Association, 1942-)
：Drawn to Bizen ware for the inherent flavor of the clay itself, I entered the life of pottery making. Bizen clay presents a variety of landscapes through the baptism of fire. I hope to create works that focus particularly on the firing process, honoring this blessed earth from the perspectives of both utility and beauty. I welcome your criticisms and impressions.
- About Friend Ishino (Tetsuro Miura, Akutagawa Prize-Winning Author in 1960, 1931-2010)
：How many years has it been since my friend Taizo Ishino began devoting himself to ceramic art? Here now is one of the fruits of his devotion to this day. Ishino is a person who spent many years at a publishing house engaging in the editing of literary books and arts magazines. He is someone who thoroughly associated with creative people, understood the work they nurtured, and encouraged them. He deeply knows the hearts of creators. That very person has now turned into a creator himself on the maker's side. Should we not watch his achievements with great anticipation? Please take Ishino's work into the palm of your hand and gaze upon it. If you like it, please keep it close at hand and cherish it for a long time.
- Artist: Taizo Ishino (1942- )
- Representative Career Highlights: [1967] Graduated from Waseda University, School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and engaged in editing literary books and the magazine "Bungei" at Kawade Shobo Shinsha. [1975] Resigned to pursue ceramic art. [1977] Completed training at Aichi Prefectural Ceramics Vocational Training School; established a Noborigama kiln in Wake Town, Okayama Prefecture, and became independent. [1979] Selected for the first time upon initial submission to the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition (subsequently selected in 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985). [1981] Selected for the Faenza International Competition in Italy. [June 1982] Built an Anagama kiln. [1985] Lecturer at the Department of Art, University of Hawaii. [1989] Created the relief "Statue of Kojima Takanori" for Tsuyama Kakuzan Hotel; held numerous solo exhibitions including his 10th anniversary exhibition at Ginza Mitsukoshi.
- Production Period: 1982–1989 (Showa 57–Heisei 1)
- Item Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated original wooden box (Tomobako), cloth (yellow cloth), brochure featuring artist's biography and essay by Tetsuro Miura included
- Material: Ceramics (Bizen ware, unglazed firing)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 7.7 cm, Rim diameter approx. 12.5 cm, Weight approx. 460 g
- Note: Even if the products provided by our shop are unused, they were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm that the item may have age-related wear before considering your purchase.
