{"product_id":"p7553","title":"Bizen Sake Cup (Bizen Clay x Shigaraki Clay)","description":"This is a brand-new Bizen sake cup (Bizen clay × Shigaraki clay), fresh from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible creative spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated by mixing Bizen clay with Shigaraki clay and firing it in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), this piece features well-melted yellow and black sesame-like ash glazes (goma) layered over a milky natural glaze.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe influence of the blended Shigaraki clay is strong; the interior reveals a beautiful orange earthy texture that makes the surface appear to glitter when sake is poured into the cup.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMaster Isezaki uses only split red pine wood for his kiln firing, which significantly impacts the scenery of this piece, with the elegant, gold-dust-like yellow sesame glaze beautifully accentuating the Shigaraki clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis work features a simple form free of decorative patterns, making it perfect for slowly enjoying the diverse kiln changes of the Shigaraki clay while savoring your sake.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nOriginal wooden box (tomobako) to be provided later (please note that it will take some time before shipping).\u003cbr\u003e\n*The box will be inscribed as \"Bizen Sake Cup.\"\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.2cm × 6.9cm × Height 7.0cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in intricate crafts.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his full-scale career 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 elder brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, succeeded in reconstructing and firing a medieval-style semi-underground anagama.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing sculptural forms, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on shaping and firing, he established a unique, modern style by leveraging the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing (noborigama), 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 was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property alongside his brother Mitsuru, 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 certified as the fifth Bizen ware artist to be recognized as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) by the Japanese government.\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: Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618194870369,"sku":"7553","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7553.jpg?v=1790232893","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7553","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}