{"product_id":"p6298","title":"Bizen ware sake cup","description":"This is a new Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with his inexhaustible creativity.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in May 2021.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn this piece, the iron content in the clay and the natural ash glaze have melted together, creating a mysterious aesthetic where the entire work appears as if it has been coated in glass.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAbout half of the piece features this vitreous texture, making it look as if it were finished with amber glaze, despite being an unglazed Bizen ware piece.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe appeal of this \"glass kiln transformation\" (glass yohen) goes further, as it captures diverse kiln-effect patterns—such as the thread-like *itogoma* and scattered *tobigoma* created by straw wrapped around the piece—within the glass-like surface, much like specimens on a microscope slide.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn contrast, the exposed clay portions reveal a soft, matte texture, resulting in a fascinating work where a rugged, rock-like surface coexists with a smooth, glass-like finish.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe artist has unusually carved vertical lines into the body with a spatula, which, combined with the elongated form, gives the piece an interesting charm reminiscent of a small water jar (mizusashi).\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.8cm x 6.7cm x Height 7.4cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft. He learned pottery from childhood and entered the field professionally after graduating from the Okayama University Special Art Course in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work spans a wide range, from traditional items like flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares to ceramic murals and avant-garde sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production process, he places great importance on forming and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create a style imbued with a contemporary sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also widely recognized as a leading creator of ceramic reliefs and has unveiled numerous works in that medium.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was certified as a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn July 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards include: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, and many others \/ Served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618715127905,"sku":"6298","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6298.jpg?v=1790241029","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6298","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}