{"product_id":"p7563","title":"Bizen tea cup","description":"This Bizen-yaki tea cup is the work of 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 piece, taken from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired slowly for about 10 days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, this piece showcases a finish characteristic of Isezaki Bizen, featuring a beautiful gradation of goma (ash glaze), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), ito-goma (thread-like ash), kase-goma (dry ash glaze), and scarlet hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rice straw wrapped around the entire piece has fused with the natural glaze dancing in the flames during firing, drawing in the ash like a fuse to ignite and transform into the patterns known as ito-goma.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, portions of the piece exhibit kase-goma from the anagama kiln, with a color and texture that look as if the vessel has been frozen by frost—a striking accent within a landscape that evokes the intensity of fire.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside, the ash has accumulated like falling snow, creating an interesting effect where it remains on the walls following the wheel marks left by the potter’s fingers.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile labeled as a tea cup on the box, it can of course also be used as a beer mug.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.2cm x 7.1cm x Height 9.5cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic craftwork. He learned pottery from a young age and embarked on his career after graduating from the Okayama University Special Art Course in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work spans a wide range, from traditional pieces such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to ceramic murals and sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he emphasizes shaping and firing, developing a style infused with a modern sensibility that draws out the characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also widely recognized as a leading relief artist and has presented numerous works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1966, he was certified as a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association and served as a special lecturer in fine arts 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 Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, and in the same year, he began serving as Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn July 2004, he was designated as a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property holder).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Recipient of numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, among others \/ Prefectural Exhibition Jury Member","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618196476001,"sku":"7563","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7563.jpg?v=1790232908","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7563","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}