Item Description: This is a beautiful Bizen Tebachi (hand basin/bowl) crafted by Isezaki Mitsuru (伊勢崎満, 1934-), a distinguished ceramic artist from Bizen, Okayama Prefecture. Isezaki Mitsuru was born in 1934 as the eldest son of Isezaki Youzan, a master craftsman designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder in Okayama Prefecture. Together with his younger brother Jun (who later became a Living National Treasure), Mitsuru played a pioneering role in reviving ancient Bizen techniques. The brothers reconstructed medieval semi-underground anagama kilns on Mount Koya, successfully recreating the bright firing characteristics of the Momoyama period. Inheriting the Hidasuki (fire cord) technique from his father, Isezaki creates tea wares and flower vessels that beautifully showcase the natural clay textures and firing effects characteristic of authentic Bizen ware. His works are recognized as exemplary pieces that honor traditional Bizen pottery while maintaining contemporary artistic sensibility. This Tebachi exhibits the rich, earthy tones and subtle surface variations achieved through the yakishime (unglazed) firing process unique to Bizen pottery. The organic form and natural texture reflect the artist's deep understanding of clay and fire. The piece captures the essence of wabi-sabi aesthetics cherished in Japanese tea ceremony culture. The work comes with its original signed wooden box (Shihousann-style box), artist's biography, and accompanying cloth, ensuring authenticity and provenance. Size Height: 14 cm Width: 26.5 cm Depth: 23 cm Weight: 1,246 g Condition Excellent condition with no damages. The piece shows characteristic Bizen firing marks which are inherent features of this pottery style, not defects. Artist Profile Isezaki Mitsuru (伊勢崎満, b. 1934) Born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, as the eldest son of Isezaki Youzan, a renowned Bizen master and Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holder. After withdrawing from Okayama University's Faculty of Education Special Art Course, he apprenticed in the family kiln alongside his younger brother Jun. The brothers made history by reconstructing medieval semi-underground anagama kilns, becoming the first to successfully revive ancient Bizen firing techniques. Their initial firing produced works with the bright characteristics of Momoyama-period pottery, marking a significant achievement in ceramic history. Isezaki has participated in the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and is celebrated for mastering the Hidasuki technique inherited from his father. He continues to create distinguished tea ceremony utensils and flower vessels that embody traditional Bizen aesthetics. His brother Jun was designated as a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property holder) for Bizen ware in 2004. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.