{"product_id":"p5849","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a freshly fired Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power. This piece is a type that clearly displays the intense *goma* (ash glaze) effects achieved through an *anagama* (tunnel kiln) firing, resulting in a *katamigawari* (split-body) finish where *goma* and *hidasuki* (fire-cord markings) are distinctively contrasted. Due to the intense flames of the *anagama* kiln, the piece is rich in variation; one half is enveloped in a *goma* glaze that glows like gold, as if scooped from a deposit of gold dust. On the opposite side, the surface remains a translucent white clay untouched by direct flame, upon which a vivid *hidasuki* pattern is arranged, appearing as if hidden beneath the *goma*. Along the rim and interior, the dry white clay and the flowing *goma* glaze—resembling drifting gold sand—shift dramatically, creating an intriguing contrast where, when filled with sake, it appears as if an oasis has emerged with gold flowing through a desert.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san) \u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.7cm x 6.3cm x Height 7.1cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic sculpture, and studied pottery from childhood before pursuing the path professionally after graduating from the Okayama University Special Art Course in 1959. His works range widely from traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to sculptural works like ceramic walls and objects. In his production, he places great importance on both shaping and firing. He has a style imbued with a modern sensibility that makes the most of the characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns). Furthermore, he is a leading figure in relief art and has presented numerous works. He became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966. From 1978, he served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years. In 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Okayama Prefecture, and in the same year, he served as the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association. In July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Okayama Prefectural Culture Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, and many others \/ Juror for the Prefectural Exhibition","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618691043425,"sku":"5849","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5849.jpg?v=1790240611","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p5849","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}