{"product_id":"p7601","title":"Bizen tea cup","description":"This Bizen-yaki yunomi (tea cup) is the work of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece was taken from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired in an anagama (tunnel kiln) for approximately 10 days, the piece displays the hallmarks of Isezaki Bizen pottery, including shades of goma (ash glaze), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), ito-goma (thread-like ash), and a delicate gradation between white clay and scarlet hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis work is crafted from a coarse, sandy clay, allowing the grains to peek through the scarlet gradations.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nRice straw was draped diagonally across the piece during firing, creating a striking hidasuki pattern that wraps around the entire cup—a design so captivating that you may find yourself losing track of time as you trace the flow of the straw marks with your eyes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs 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, about one-third of the piece features the white, dry-looking \"kase-goma\" ash characteristic of anagama firing, creating a beautiful contrast with the scarlet gradations that delights the viewer.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile labeled as a yunomi (tea cup), it can, of course, also be used as a beer mug.\n\nIncludes signed wooden box (shiho-zan style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm x 6.9cm x Height 9.3cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an expert in ceramic sculpture. He learned pottery from a young age and began his professional career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work encompasses a wide range, from traditional vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics to ceramic murals and avant-garde sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he places great importance on both molding and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to develop a style infused with a modern sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also highly regarded as a representative relief artist and has presented numerous works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was certified as a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art instructor at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property 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 Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Prize, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, and many others \/ Served as a judge for prefectural exhibitions","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618201063521,"sku":"7601","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7601.jpg?v=1790232964","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7601","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}