{"product_id":"p6988","title":"Bizen black sake bottle","description":"This is a new Bizen black sake bottle, fresh from the kiln, by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, removed from the kiln in June 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately 10 days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, the piece features black slip clay and intense sesame glaze (goma) clashing on its surface, with natural ash glaze cascading down from the kiln walls to create a striking landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, this piece received a generous baptism of fire from the reverse side, causing high-quality pine wood ash to overflow onto the front like gold dust, where it converged to form a magnificent \"tamadare\" (beaded) pattern.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAbove the tamadare, there is a spot that served as a fulcrum during firing, which deformed under the intense heat to create a natural indentation; this adds to the dynamic, fire-touched aesthetic while conveniently providing a place to rest one’s finger.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe black slip clay is exceptionally matte and deep in color, creating a stunning contrast between its deep, quiet black—which seems to absorb light—and the vibrant, golden sesame glaze.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe texture of the well-fired black body is extremely smooth, and combined with the satin-like, frosted-glass feel of the yellow sesame sections, it offers an exquisite tactile quality that is a pleasure to hold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe substantial, large-scale form serves as a grand canvas, housing a diverse landscape that can be admired indefinitely without ever growing weary, yet it is crafted with a surprising lightness, allowing it to be enjoyed effortlessly during use.\n\nSigned paulownia wood box to follow (please note that some time is required for delivery).\u003cbr\u003e\nRim (including tamadare) 4.3cm x Body diameter 9.9cm x Body diameter 9.3cm x Height 14.9cm Capacity: approx. 510cc\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of ornamental ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his full-scale career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, alongside his older brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he successfully reconstructed and fired a medieval-style semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and sculptures.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBy emphasizing both the forming process and the firing, he established a unique, contemporary style that took advantage of the distinct characteristics of the anagama, noborigama (climbing kiln), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he worked on numerous projects, 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 for 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 Property of Okayama Prefecture. 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 Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property), the fifth artist to receive this honor for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was selected as 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 the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618073366625,"sku":"6988","price":330000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6988.jpg?v=1790232098","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6988","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}