{"product_id":"p6850","title":"Bizen Beer Drinker","description":"This is a Bizen beer mug from a slightly earlier period by Jun Isezaki, the fifth Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with a creativity that never fades.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece was created after his designation as a Living National Treasure in 2004.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately ten days in an anagama (tunnel) kiln—a technique synonymous with Isezaki—this work encompasses the signature Isezaki-Bizen finishes, including goma (ash glaze), hidaski (fire-cord), ito-goma (thread-like ash), and a gradation of white clay and scarlet hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe straw, placed diagonally across the front, creates a scenery where the hidaski wraps entirely around the mug; tracing the flow of the straw with one's eyes is so captivating that one easily loses track of time.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as the straw burned, it fused with the natural glaze, transforming into what is known as ito-goma while retaining the shape of the straw itself.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside the vessel, ash carried by the hot air of the anagama has settled like powdery snow in tiny, delicate particles.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough labeled as a \"beer mug\" in the box inscription, it can, of course, also be used as a teacup.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an earlier work but remains in unused condition.\n\nOriginal wooden box (shiho-san) included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.6cm × 7.4cm × Height 10.3cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of crafted figures. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the field professionally after graduating from the Special Fine Arts Course at Okayama University in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work spans a wide range, from traditional items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceramics to ceramic walls and abstract objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production process, he emphasizes both shaping and firing, leveraging the characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create pieces infused with a modern sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also recognized as a leading relief artist, having 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 lecturer in fine arts at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he served as 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: Numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefectural Culture Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, among others; served as a judge for the Prefectural Art Exhibition.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618726367329,"sku":"6850","price":22000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6850.jpg?v=1790241407","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6850","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}