{"product_id":"p7605","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This Bizen ware sake cup is the work of Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, a master who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative force.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece was taken from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired slowly over ten days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, the piece showcases a signature Isezaki Bizen finish, featuring a beautiful gradation of sesame glaze (goma), fire-cord (hidaski), dry sesame (kase-goma), and scorched sesame (koge-goma).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe clean, white base clay characteristic of anagama firing serves as a backdrop for a vast array of natural glazes that change across the surface, creating a simple yet captivating aesthetic that one never tires of observing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front is particularly striking, centered on a beautiful contrast of red and white, with black scorched sesame glaze sliding over frost-like dry sesame.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe interior also centers on the red clay base and yellow sesame glaze, which becomes vibrant as if the grains of clay are blooming when filled with sake.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile the form is simple—reminiscent of a tea bowl with no added ornamentation—this minimalist design only serves to further accentuate the beauty of the various kiln-transmutation effects.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.0cm x 6.5cm, Height 7.6cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen potter Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of intricate ceramic figures.\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 pottery in earnest.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, succeeded in reconstructing and firing a medieval-style semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony ware, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he emphasized both forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a contemporary sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was also a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs using Bizen ware, and he produced numerous works for public facilities.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a lecturer in the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and he also became a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary General of its Chugoku branch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2002, he created a ceramic wall for the Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he became the fifth person to be designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit in 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards and honors: Toyo Kaneshige Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit 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":46618201194593,"sku":"7605","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7605.jpg?v=1790232970","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7605","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}