{"product_id":"p7668","title":"Bizen ware sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with creativity that never wanes.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece was taken from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt was fired for about 10 days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, showcasing the dynamic results of this firing technique, including dry ash (kase-goma), charred ash, fire cord (hidasuki), and an amber-colored clay texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to the intense flames, natural ash glaze covers about 70% of the piece, while the lower portion was shielded from the direct heat, revealing a pure white clay surface.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, fire cord patterns were applied to the clay surface, with the vivid scarlet hues standing out beautifully against the white clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOn the front of the piece, three layers of yellow ash, dry ash, and charred ash overlap, allowing you to sense how the kiln transformation was shaped by the intense flames within.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite having such dramatic scenery on the exterior, the interior features a gentle dusting of powdery ash, offering a sharp contrast between the interior and exterior that allows you to enjoy the kiln-fired changes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nIncludes signed wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.4cm × 7.3cm × Height 6.3cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ware artist Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of sculpted pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age, and began his career in earnest 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 older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional items such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing sculptural forms, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe placed great importance on both forming and firing, establishing a unique style full of modern sensibility by utilizing the distinct characteristics of anagama kilns, climbing kilns, 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 as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture along with his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he 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 was certified as the fifth person to be a nationally designated 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: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, etc.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618203717729,"sku":"7668","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7668.jpg?v=1790233072","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7668","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}