{"product_id":"p7581","title":"Ibe Square Plate","description":"This is a Bizen square plate by the master artisan Mitsuru Isezaki, a man who loved Bizen ware and made significant contributions to the region.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA biography of the artist from around 2007 is included, suggesting this piece was created shortly before Mitsuru passed away.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe refined artistry of his later years is on full display, with the plate crafted with immense care in the \"tataki-zara\" (beaten plate) style, a staple form for Bizen tableware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe clay is folded and layered to create a sense of volume, yet the thickness is kept exquisite so as not to appear clunky—a true testament to his mastery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThere are two areas on the corners of the piece where a lattice pattern has been impressed, and a *hidasuki* (fire-cord) mark runs between them, serving as a perfect accent.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite being fired in a climbing kiln, the piece features a light and vibrant finish throughout, and the clean quality of the clay elevates it to a higher level as tableware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe work features stunning *hidasuki* markings on both sides—a technique so impressive it was said to be envied by the great Toyo Kaneshige—with a vivid, lightning-like streak of red standing out beautifully against the soft, warm tone of the clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an unused piece that was carefully stored in its original packaging immediately after purchase and has never been opened.\n\nSigned wooden box (double-braced)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 25.2cm x 25.0cm x Height 2.6cm\n\nMitsuru Isezaki was born in 1934 as the eldest son of the Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki. He learned pottery techniques from his father from an early age and majored in sculpture at the Okayama University Special Art Course.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs an authentic master of tea ceramics, he pursued the aesthetics, clay quality, and firing techniques characteristic of the Momoyama period.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe alternated between using a climbing kiln and a medieval-style tunnel kiln depending on the work, and remained committed to firing exclusively with pine wood, never using electric or gas kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1964 and received the Toyo Kaneshige Prize in 1974.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was awarded the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Prize in 1994 and the 15th Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize in 1998.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn March of that same year, he was designated as an Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property holder.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in August 2011 at the age of 77.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Numerous honors including the Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Prize, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Art and Culture Merit Prize, and the Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, among others \/ Guest exhibitor at prefectural exhibitions","brand":"伊勢崎 満","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618199523425,"sku":"7581","price":11000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7581.jpg?v=1790232937","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7581","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}