{"product_id":"p5239","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This is a slightly older Bizen sake bottle by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who has consistently led the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power. It is accompanied by a ceramic history document dated up to 2011, shortly after he was designated a Living National Treasure, suggesting it was created around that time. This piece features a well-balanced expression typical of an anagama kiln firing, showcasing the signature Isezaki Bizen finish with elements such as goma (ash glaze), hidaski (fire cord), tobi-goma (scattered ash), and a gradient of white clay and scarlet tones. The crisp, clean white clay is combined with a deep, lustrous scarlet reminiscent of ripe apple skin, creating a vibrant, fresh landscape despite the piece being unglazed and high-fired. The bundle of straw wrapped vertically around the vessel shows true anagama-fired character: the ash is drawn into \"ito-goma\" (thread-like ash) from the shoulder to the body, while remaining as a vivid hidaski pattern from the waist down, resulting in a sake bottle full of rich variations.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nRim 4.0cm x Body diameter 9.2cm x Body diameter 9.1cm x Height 13.5cm, Capacity approx. 410cc\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in intricate works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his career in earnest after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional wares such as vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he engaged in a wide range of works that emphasized sculptural qualities, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production process, he placed great importance on both forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a modern sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was also a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, producing numerous works primarily for public facilities.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a lecturer for the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture; that same year, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of its Chugoku branch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2002, he created a ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (a Living National Treasure) by the Japanese government, the fifth person to receive this honor for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nMajor awards and honors include: The Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Contribution Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46617981583457,"sku":"5239","price":95000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5239.jpg?v=1790230791","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p5239","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}