{"product_id":"p7491","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"Possessing an inexhaustible creative power that keeps him at the forefront of the Bizen pottery world, this is a brand-new Bizen sake cup fresh from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately 10 days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), the piece showcases the dynamic finish characteristic of this method, featuring crusty sesame glaze (kase-goma), flowing sesame, scorched sesame, and a caramel-colored clay texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile natural ash glaze covers about 70% of the piece, it does not result in a uniform color; rather, the scenery shifts from part to part, allowing you to enjoy a rich, varied aesthetic that never tires the eye.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was placed face-down toward the kiln floor during firing, resulting in three spotlight-like \"openings\" in the center surrounded by the stark white, crusty sesame glaze unique to the anagama.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOn the back, a generous layer of yellow sesame glaze accumulated during firing and flowed down toward the front, forming amber-colored bead-like drips (tama-dare).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite such dramatic scenery, the interior (mikomi) is almost entirely free of glaze, preserving the soft caramel-brown texture of the clay, offering a sharp, striking contrast between the scenery on the exterior and the interior.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box to follow (please note that it will take some time for delivery).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.0cm x 6.8cm x Height 7.9cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen potter Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of sculpted forms.\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 reconstructed and fired a medieval-style semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he placed great importance on both shaping and firing, establishing a unique style infused with modern sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of the anagama, climbing kiln (noborigama), and electric kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist for Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he produced numerous works 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 Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary General of its Chugoku branch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe created a ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister's Official Residence in 2002.\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 pottery.\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 include: The Kaneshige Toyo 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 Prefectural Cultural Award, and designation as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618182090849,"sku":"7491","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7491.jpg?v=1790232794","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7491","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}