{"product_id":"p7588","title":"Bizen tea cup","description":"This Bizen ware yunomi (tea cup) is by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with a creative spirit that never wanes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece was fired in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately ten days in an anagama (tunnel kiln), it features the signature Isezaki Bizen finish, with a delightful array of effects including goma (ash glaze), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), ito-goma (thread-like ash markings), and gradations between white clay and scarlet tones.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis work utilizes a coarse clay rich in sand, with grains visible through the scarlet gradations.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rice straw was wrapped diagonally around the piece during firing, creating a striking hidasuki pattern that circles the entire cup; one cannot help but lose track of time while tracing the flow of the straw markings with their eyes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as the straw burned, it fused with the natural glaze, transforming into what is known as ito-goma, where the impressions of the straw remain visible.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAdditionally, approximately half of the piece features the white, dry-textured ash glaze unique to the anagama, providing a delightful contrast to the scarlet gradations.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile labeled as a yunomi, it can of course also be used as a beer mug.\n\nIncludes signed wooden box (shiho-san).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm x 7.0cm x Height 8.9cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic sculpture. He learned pottery from a young age and entered the craft professionally after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work spans a wide range, from traditional forms such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to ceramic walls and sculptural art objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe places great importance on both shaping and firing, characterizing his work with a modern sensibility that maximizes the unique qualities of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also highly regarded as a leading artist in the field of relief sculpture, having unveiled numerous works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1966, he was certified as a regular 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 older brother Mitsuru were both certified as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Okayama Prefecture. That same year, he became the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn July 2004, he was designated as a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, and many others. Served as a judge for prefectural exhibitions.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618200703073,"sku":"7588","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7588.jpg?v=1790232946","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7588","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}