{"product_id":"p5049","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible well of creativity. This piece features a well-balanced expression of the unique characteristics of wood-fired anagama kiln firing, showcasing iconic Isezaki Bizen qualities such as *goma* (ash glaze), *hi-dasuki* (fire cord), *tobi-goma* (scattered ash), and a beautiful gradation between white clay and scarlet tones. In particular, the appearance of the pure, pristine white clay accented with a matte-textured *tobi-goma* is reminiscent of antique Bizen ware. The intense *goma* flowing into the interior of the cup looks as if one had reached into the kiln to scoop up the molten ash, and its gold-dust-like sparkle is truly breathtaking. The base features the *uchimon* (beaten pattern) technique—a signature of Isezaki—where the clay is incised with lines and gently molded into a pentagonal shape, making for a novel and intriguing design.\n\nIncludes signed wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.6cm x 6.5cm, Height 6.8cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozen Isezaki, a master known for his figurative pottery. He studied ceramics from a young age and embarked on his career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959. His body of work is vast, ranging from traditional items like flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ware to sculptural pieces and ceramic murals. He places great emphasis on both forming and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric) to create a style imbued with a modern sensibility. He is also a leading figure in relief art and has unveiled numerous works in that medium. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art instructor at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture; that same year, he became the secretary-general of the Chugoku branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was officially designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, and many others \/ Served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618668990561,"sku":"5049","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5049.jpg?v=1790239786","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p5049","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}