{"product_id":"p7510","title":"Bizen ware sake cup","description":"This is a brand new Bizen ware sake cup, just taken out of the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, fired in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired slowly for about ten days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), this piece showcases the quintessential Isezaki Bizen finish, featuring a beautiful gradient of sesame, hidasuki (fire cord), dry sesame, scorched sesame, and scarlet.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith the clean white clay tone characteristic of anagama firing as its base, the scenery—created by vast amounts of natural glaze that vary from section to section—possesses a simple yet captivating quality that invites endless contemplation.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front in particular is highlighted by a stunning contrast of red and white, with black scorched sesame sliding over frost-like dry sesame, creating an incredibly charming effect.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe interior of the cup is primarily adorned with red clay tones and yellow sesame; when filled with sake, the colors become vivid, as if the clay particles were blooming.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile the simple, unadorned tea bowl-like form might seem understated, it serves to further accentuate the beauty of the various kiln-altered effects.\n\nIncludes signed wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm x 7.0cm x Height 6.8cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ware master Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his intricate ceramic figures.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter learning ceramic techniques from his father from a young age and graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959, he entered the path of pottery in earnest.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored 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 utensils, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe placed great importance on both forming and firing, establishing a unique style imbued with a modern sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of the anagama, noborigama (climbing kiln), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was also a leading creator of Bizen ware ceramic walls and reliefs, working on numerous projects primarily for public facilities.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became a regular 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 Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture; that same year, he was appointed 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 became the fifth person to be designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was named 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 Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Culture 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":46618185826401,"sku":"7510","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7510.jpg?v=1790232826","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7510","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}