{"product_id":"p7481","title":"Bizen yohen sake cup","description":"This is a newly fired Bizen kiln-transmutation (yohen) sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile anagama (tunnel kiln) yohen is particularly rare even among the works of Isezaki, this piece features outstanding firing that is truly exceptional; it showcases the distinct scenery of an anagama within a powerful ash glaze that rivals the results of a climbing kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe back features a moist, soft ash-glazed yohen, but unlike a climbing kiln, it retains deep yellow sesame (goma) markings within the dark, rich ash.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe \"nuke\" (uncovered area) on the front also possesses the unique hues typical of anagama yohen, where the deep perilla-red color transitions into an even more vibrant scarlet toward the center, creating an exquisite character that makes one eager to use and nurture the piece over time.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe vibrancy of the kumadori (shading) at the boundary between the yohen and the nuke is also characteristic, clearly delineating a melting reddish-purple clay base accented with gold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo emphasize the yohen, the form is simple and devoid of decorations such as stamped patterns, which in turn highlights the beauty of the curved shading even further.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to the intense firing, the piece is slightly unstable, but it becomes stable when filled with liquid.\n\nOriginal signed box to follow (please excuse the delay in shipping).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.7cm x 6.3cm x Height 7.2cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a Bizen ware artist known for his skill in intricate craftwork.\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 Fine Arts Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his elder brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ware, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on both forming and firing, he established a unique style imbued with a modern sensibility, utilizing the specific characteristics of anagama, climbing, 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 at Okayama University's Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property alongside his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he was appointed as 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 the fifth person to be designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was selected as 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: Tosho Kanamori Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, etc.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618180321377,"sku":"7481","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7481.jpg?v=1790232778","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7481","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}