{"product_id":"p7555","title":"Bizen ware sake cup","description":"Possessing an inexhaustible creative power, \u003cbr\u003e\nLiving National Treasure Jun Isezaki continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery. This is a brand-new Bizen sake cup, fresh from his kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\nIt was fired slowly in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln) for about 10 days, allowing the natural glaze carried by the intense flames to create a dynamic landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile natural glaze covers about 70% of the piece, it does not have a uniform color; instead, the scenery changes dramatically from one section to another, allowing you to enjoy a rich, ever-changing variety of patterns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOn the front of the piece, there is a dense coating of \"kase-goma\" (crusty ash glaze) from the tunnel kiln, with a color and texture that makes the surface look as if it has been frozen by a heavy frost, providing a striking accent within the fiery landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOn the back, the piece is generously coated with liquefied yellow ash glaze (ki-goma), with black ash glaze (kuro-goma) flowing beside it, creating a very profound and substantial appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside, ash glaze has pooled as if scooping up glowing embers, and combined with the scorched ash and the scarlet-colored clay base, one can enjoy a dynamic aesthetic.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned paulownia wood box to follow (we apologize for the delay in shipping).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.7cm x 6.7cm x Height 7.3cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen pottery artist Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of ceramic craftsmanship.\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 the Faculty of Education, Okayama University in 1959, he entered the path of professional pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older 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 flower vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he emphasized forming and firing, establishing a unique style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that made the most of the characteristics of the anagama, climbing kiln (noborigama), and electric kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as a leading artist in the creation of Bizen pottery walls and reliefs, he worked 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 for the Special Art Course at the Faculty of Education, Okayama University, from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was recognized as a holder of an Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property along with his brother Mitsuru, and in the same year, he assumed the positions of Director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association.\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 an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Bizen pottery.\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: Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Exhibition, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Meritorious Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, etc.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618195198049,"sku":"7555","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7555.jpg?v=1790232898","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7555","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}