Isezaki Jun’s Beautiful “Bizen” Pottery (Photos)

Isezaki JunBorn in 1936 in Bizen, Okayama Prefecture; the second son of bizen potter Isezaki Yōzan. Studied fine arts at Okayama University and then spent one year as a high school teacher before becoming a potter. Designated as a living national treasure in 2004.

A tea bowl that has just been taken from the kiln.

Isezaki (left) keeps a close eye on the inside of the kiln.

The “hidasuki” markings resulting from the chemical reaction between the iron in the clay and the straw in the kiln.

The top of a pot.

Containers being fired inside the kiln.

Red pine inserted to fire the kiln—its high resin content helps the fire burn strongly.

Putting more wood into the kiln—a process that lasts two weeks.

A large plate with the characteristic reddish-brown markings.

Wood is added and clay creations near the opening of the kiln are taken out and checked.

A tea bowl that was taken out in the middle of the firing process.

A pot with the distintive rustic, earthen feel of “bizen” pottery.

Another tea bowl taken out half way through the process.

A round plate with the characteristic markings.

Pottery is taken out of the kiln.

Isezaki looks on as the items are removed from the kiln.

Sake bottles fresh from the kiln.

Isezaki enters the kiln after it has cooled down to check his creations.

A long, thin plate in the “bizen” style.

Sake bottles just removed from the kiln.

The clay used to make “bizen” pottery, collected from the earth beneath rice fields.

An offering to the gods placed above the opening to the kiln.

Isezaki’s kiln, which he uses twice a year.

Isezaki with one of his creations.