{"product_id":"p6261","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is a brand-new Bizen-yaki sake cup (guinomi), freshly removed from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen-yaki world with his inexhaustible creativity.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, removed from the kiln in May 2021 (Reiwa 3).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately 10 days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), this piece showcases the quintessential Isezaki Bizen finish, featuring a beautiful interplay of goma (sesame ash glaze), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), itogoma (fine line ash glaze), and a gradient of white clay and scarlet hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nRice straw has been applied to encircle the piece, causing it to shift dynamically between itogoma, white goma, and hidasuki. It is so captivating that one loses track of time while tracing the flow of the straw markings with their eyes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nGuided by the rice straw, the piece has been generously coated in natural ash glaze from the top down. The glaze accumulated on the rim flows like raindrops from a roof, creating a brilliant, golden landscape that stretches from the rim into the interior.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe clay itself has reacted sensitively to the intense heat and natural glaze, resulting in a vibrant palette of scarlet, amber, white, and brown.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe lower body features Sensei’s signature \"uchimon\" (stamped patterns)—engraved lines that have been shaped into a gentle quadrilateral, further distorted by the fierce flames into a more powerful, dynamic form.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san) included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.4cm x 6.9cm x Height 7.0cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026), born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, was the second son of Bizen-yaki artist Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of ceramic figures.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter learning pottery techniques from his father from a young age and graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959, he embarked on his career as a potter in earnest.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his elder brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully reconstructed and fired a medieval-style semi-underground anagama.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing sculptural elements, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on both forming and firing, he established a unique, contemporary style that leverages the distinct characteristics of the anagama, climbing kiln, and electric kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen-yaki 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 in 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 Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for Bizen-yaki, the fifth person to receive this honor.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was named a Person of Cultural Merit.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Prize, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618044072033,"sku":"6261","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6261.jpg?v=1790231389","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6261","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}