{"product_id":"p6986","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, fired in June 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired slowly for about 10 days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), and the natural glaze carried by the intense flames has created a dynamic landscape on the surface.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nNatural glaze covers about 70% of the work, but it does not coat the surface with a uniform color; rather, the appearance changes dramatically from one part to the next, allowing you to enjoy a varied, captivating aesthetic that never grows tiresome.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOn the front of the piece, there is a dense, encrusted deposit of \"kase-goma\" (dry ash glaze) from the anagama, with a color and texture that makes the vessel's skin look as if it has been frozen by a heavy frost, providing an intense accent within the landscape that evokes the ferocity of the flames.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOn the back, the piece is generously coated in liquefied yellow sesame glaze, further accentuated by three drips of natural glaze that fell from the kiln wall.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside, the \"goma\" (ash glaze) is infused as if scooping up glowing embers, creating a dynamic view in combination with the charred sesame and amber-colored clay body.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box to follow (please note that it will take some time before shipping).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.5cm x 7.3cm x Height 7.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen potter Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of ceramic sculpture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his career in earnest after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval 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 forms, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creation process, he placed great importance on both forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a modern sensibility by utilizing 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 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 Properties of Okayama Prefecture; that same year, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of the association's 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 became the fifth person to be designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Bizen pottery.\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 include: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and designation as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618073301089,"sku":"6986","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6986.jpg?v=1790232096","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6986","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}