{"product_id":"p7610","title":"Bizen Sake Cup (Bizen Clay × Shigaraki Clay)","description":"This Bizen sake cup (Bizen clay × Shigaraki clay) is by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an inexhaustible well of creativity.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece was fired in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCrafted by mixing Bizen and Shigaraki clays and firing in a semi-underground anagama kiln, the work features well-melted yellow and black \"goma\" (ash glaze) layered over a milky-white natural glaze.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe influence of the blended Shigaraki clay is profound; the interior displays a beautiful orange earth tone that makes the clay surface appear to sparkle when sake is poured in.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJun-sensei uses only split red pine wood for his kiln firings, which has greatly influenced the aesthetic of this work, with the elegant, gold-dust-like yellow ash glaze beautifully accentuating the Shigaraki clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFeaturing a simple form devoid of decorations like stamped patterns, this piece is perfect for slowly savoring sake while enjoying the diverse kiln transformations of the Shigaraki clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box to follow (we apologize for the delay in shipping).\u003cbr\u003e\n*The box will be inscribed as \"Bizen Sake Cup.\"\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.1cm × 7.1cm × Height 7.2cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in fine decorative pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his path as a professional potter after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his elder brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he engaged in a wide range of work focusing on sculptural aesthetics, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nEmphasizing both shaping and firing, he established a unique, modern style by utilizing the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he produced numerous works, primarily 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 was designated a Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property alongside his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he assumed the roles of Director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of the association's Chugoku branch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2002, he created the ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was recognized as the fifth individual to be named a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property 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 include the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, the Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Ceramics, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Prize, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618201358433,"sku":"7610","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7610.jpg?v=1790232978","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7610","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}