{"product_id":"p6987","title":"Bizen Tea Cup","description":"This is a newly fired Bizen beer mug by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is the latest work, removed from the kiln in June 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired slowly for about ten days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, resulting in a finish that showcases signature Isezaki Bizen characteristics, including sesame glaze (goma), fire-cord markings (hidasuki), thread-like sesame patterns (itogoma), and a gradation of dry sesame glaze (kase-goma) and scarlet hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rice straw wrapped around the entire piece fused with the natural glaze flying through the flames during firing, acting like a fuse to draw in the sesame glaze and ignite it into the patterns known as itogoma.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, portions of the piece exhibit dry kase-goma from the anagama firing; its color and texture resemble a vessel surface frozen under a layer of frost, providing a striking accent amidst the scenery created by the intense flames.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside, the sesame glaze has accumulated like falling powdered snow, lingering along the throw lines left by the potter’s fingers on the wheel, creating a fascinating visual effect.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe base shape makes it slightly unstable when empty, but it becomes stable once filled.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough marked as a \"yunomi\" (tea cup) on the box, it can certainly be used as a beer mug.\n\nSigned wooden box to follow at a later date (please note that shipment will take some time).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.8cm × 7.3cm × Height 10.0cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in craftwork. He learned pottery from a young age and pursued it as a career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis works range widely from traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ware to ceramic walls and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he places emphasis on molding and firing, utilizing the characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create works filled with a contemporary sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAdditionally, he is a leading figure in relief art and has presented numerous works.\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 instructor at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his older brother Mitsuru were both certified as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture; 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 awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition \/ Prefectural Exhibition Juror","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618729414753,"sku":"6987","price":40000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6987.jpg?v=1790241446","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6987","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}