{"product_id":"p7493","title":"Bizen Black Sake Cup","description":"This is a brand-new Bizen black sake cup (guinomi) 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 spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a latest work, fired in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired in a semi-underground anagama kiln for about ten days, during which the black slip and intense sesame-ash glazes vied for dominance on the surface, creating a powerful kiln-change effect that covers the entire vessel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt was placed where flames fully enveloped the work and flowed directly toward the rear of the kiln, resulting in over 90% of the surface being covered in yellow sesame ash.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, near the rim and the front, natural ash glazes solidified to create intense scorched sesame markings, which combine with the black slip to form a rich, cobalt-blue kiln-change effect.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe placement of this blue kiln-change right at the rim is particularly intriguing for a sake cup; when moistened with sake during use, it becomes even more vivid in color, delighting not only the palate but also the eyes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom the smooth black coloring of the clay body to the remarkably large and energetic form, the work exhibits the signature style of Jun Isezaki in every detail, beyond even the yellow sesame and blue kiln-change effects.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.1cm × 6.8cm × Height 7.0cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Ibe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of intricate ceramic figures.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age, and after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959, he began his career in earnest.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, succeeded in reconstructing and firing a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on shaping and firing, he established a unique, modern style that leveraged 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 recognized as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and 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 the 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 an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) 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 Toyo Kaneshige Award, Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Forms, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618182647905,"sku":"7493","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7493.jpg?v=1790232797","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7493","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}