{"product_id":"p4709","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. This work was fired in the Anagama kiln at Mt. Koya, which he restored together with his father, Yozan, and his brother, Mitsuru; it is a piece that beautifully displays the unique characteristics of Anagama firing. Because it was fired with the mouth inverted over another vessel (such as a tokkuri sake flask), the exterior features a white, crusty \"kase-goma\" (ash glaze) caused by intense flame contact, while the interior, by contrast, is completely devoid of natural ash glaze, showcasing only a \"hidaski\" (fire-cord) finish—a fascinatingly dramatic juxtaposition. The white kase-goma on the exterior is a scenic effect unique to the Anagama kiln, where, despite the intensity of the flames, the clay surface appears as if it has been frozen. This is combined with the geometric patterns created by his signature wooden spatula technique, which seem to make the design float upon the surface. The interior hidaski offers a fresh, bright finish achieved through oxidation, and the parched texture of the clay will surely make any sake poured into it look even more delicious. (*There is a small trace mark on the rim where a piece was detached.)\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-zan style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.7cm × Diameter 7.3cm × Height 6.8cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master known for his intricate ceramic craft. He learned pottery from childhood and entered the path of a professional ceramic artist after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares, to sculptural works like ceramic walls and objects. In his creative process, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. He is known for a style that overflows with a contemporary sensibility, making the most of the characteristics of the materials and kilns (Anagama, climbing, and electric kilns). As a leading figure in relief art, he has also unveiled numerous works. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. For nine years starting in 1978, he served as a lecturer for the Special Art Course at Okayama University. In 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, and in the same year, he became the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Ceramics Exhibition, and many others \/ Prefectural Exhibition Juror","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618655883361,"sku":"4709","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/4709.jpg?v=1790239422","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p4709","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}