{"product_id":"p7524","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a new Bizen ware sake cup, fresh from the kiln, by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with his inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was fired in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was slow-fired for approximately 10 days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, resulting in a finish that showcases signature Isezaki Bizen characteristics, including goma (ash glaze), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), kase-goma (dry ash), and a gradation of scorched-goma and scarlet hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith a clean, white clay base characteristic of anagama firing, the scenery created by the abundance of natural ash glaze changing across different sections offers a simple yet captivating aesthetic that invites endless contemplation.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front is particularly charming, featuring a beautiful contrast of red and white, highlighted by amber-colored yohen (kiln transmutation) and well-melted yellow goma.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside, the white clay base and yellow goma take center stage, becoming vibrant as if the very grains of the earth are blossoming when filled with sake.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile the form is simple—reminiscent of a teabowl stripped of ornamentation—this design choice serves to further accentuate the beauty of the various kiln-transmuted effects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThere is a small stone inclusion on the foot, causing it to be slightly unstable. Please contact us if you would like to see a video explanation.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.0cm × 6.7cm × Height 6.6cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in fine sculptural works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father at an early 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, together with his older brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he 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 ceramics, he engaged in a wide range of works emphasizing sculptural forms, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he focused on both forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with modern sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a representative artist of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he worked on numerous projects, 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 for the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture alongside his brother Mitsuru Isezaki, 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\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\nIn 2025, he was honored 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: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618189627489,"sku":"7524","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7524.jpg?v=1790232847","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7524","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}