{"product_id":"p6246","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a brand-new Bizen sake cup (guinomi) fresh from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with his ever-enduring creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a latest work, fired in May 2021.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired for about 10 days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), resulting in a landscape where the natural glaze draped generously over the back seems to embrace the vessel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe yellow sesame glaze (kama) that flowed down forms a band across the front, creating a kiln-transmutation (yohen) effect reminiscent of an obsidian orb.\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile the outer circumference is almost entirely covered in sesame glaze, the front side—which was positioned away from the direct fire during the firing process—retains the raw, exposed clay body, showcasing a stunning hue like melting milk chocolate.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite such an intense landscape, the interior (mikomi) remains largely untouched by the glaze, leaving a dry, matte clay surface that provides a sharp, characteristic contrast typical of anagama-fired works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe base features Isezaki-sensei's signature \"uchimon\" (hammered pattern) technique, where engraved lines are combined with a subtle transformation into a pentagonal shape; this form was further accentuated by the intense flames, resulting in an even more dynamic and bold silhouette.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.2cm × 6.8cm × Height 7.2cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who was renowned for his skill in figurative works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter learning pottery from his father in childhood and graduating from the Special Fine Arts Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959, he entered the path of professional ceramic art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his elder brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, succeeded in reconstructing and firing a medieval-style 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 emphasizing sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objet d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe placed great importance on both shaping and firing, establishing a unique style imbued with modern sensibilities that utilized the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he produced 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 Fine Arts 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 recognized as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property, and in the same year, he was appointed as 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 recognized as a nationally designated Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for Bizen ware, the fifth person to receive this honor.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit in 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nMajor awards and honors include: The Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618042630241,"sku":"6246","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6246.jpg?v=1790231377","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6246","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}