{"product_id":"p6565","title":"Bizen black sake cup","description":"This is a new Bizen black sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, fired in December 2021.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately 10 days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, the piece features a compelling interplay between the black slip and intense \"goma\" (ash glaze) on its surface, creating a distinctive landscape characteristic of anagama firing that evokes the power of intense flames.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBaptized by fire from the back, the high-quality split pine wood has sent a surge of gold-dust-like yellow goma overflowing to the front, forming a magnificent beaded pattern.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, an intense scorched goma effect has developed around the rim and front, which, when combined with the black slip, produces a rich cobalt blue that forms a stunning \"ao-yohen\" (blue kiln transmutation).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe placement of this blue kiln transmutation on the rim is particularly intriguing; when dampened with sake during use, the colors become even more vivid, delighting the eyes as well as the palate.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith its smooth black finish on the exposed clay and an impressively large, energetic form, every aspect of this piece—beyond just the yellow goma and blue kiln transmutation—is a testament to the master’s signature style.\n\nIncludes signed wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter: 6.8cm x 6.7cm; Height: 7.5cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ware artist Yoza Isezaki, who was highly skilled in intricate ceramic sculpture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from an early age, and after graduating from the Special Art Course at the Okayama University Faculty of Education in 1959, he committed himself fully to the path of pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval-style semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea utensils, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and art objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on both shaping and firing, he established a unique, contemporary style that utilized 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 ceramic walls and reliefs, he produced numerous works, primarily for public facilities.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a lecturer for the Special Art Course at the Okayama University 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 Properties; 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 recognized as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), the fifth such person in the field of Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was named a Person of Cultural Merit in 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors include: The Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Culture 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":46618057408609,"sku":"6565","price":120000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6565.jpg?v=1790231645","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6565","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}