{"product_id":"p7520","title":"Bizen beer mug","description":"This is a brand-new Bizen beer cup, 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 his latest work, removed from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately ten days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, the piece showcases the hallmark aesthetic of Isezaki Bizen, featuring a beautiful gradation of sesame glaze (goma), fire cord (hidasuki), thread-like sesame patterns (ito-goma), and white clay against scarlet hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece is crafted from a coarse, sandy clay, allowing individual grains to peek through the scarlet color gradation.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe straw was wrapped diagonally around the piece, creating a continuous hidasuki pattern that draws the eye, making it easy to lose track of time while tracing the flow of the straw marks.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as the straw burned, it fused with the natural glaze, transforming into \"ito-goma\" (thread-like sesame) patterns that retain the shape of the straw.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis ito-goma can also be seen inside the cup, where the straw slid toward the bottom of the vessel and became seared into the surface.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile labeled as a beer cup, it can, of course, also be used as a tea cup.\n\nIncludes signed wooden box (shiho-san style).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.2cm x 7.2cm x Height 9.9cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craft. He learned pottery from a young age and pursued it professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work spans a wide range, from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to ceramic murals and sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he emphasizes both forming and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing, and electric kilns) to produce a contemporary style uniquely his own.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also widely recognized as a leading relief artist and has exhibited numerous works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was certified as a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties. That same year, he became the Secretary General of the Chugoku Chapter of the Japan Kōgei Association.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn July 2004, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards and honors include: The Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, among many others; also served as a judge for the prefectural exhibition.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618188972129,"sku":"7520","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7520.jpg?v=1790232841","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7520","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}