{"product_id":"p7727","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a slightly older Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who has consistently led the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative force.\u003cbr\u003e\nA ceramic biography from 2013 is included, suggesting the work was created around that time.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is a rare, shallow, flat-cup style piece that Jun Isezaki produced in very small quantities at the time, and it features a magnificent, vibrant landscape characteristic of an anagama (tunnel kiln) that spreads across the entire interior.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSlowly fired in a semi-underground anagama kiln, you can enjoy the signature Isezaki Bizen finish, including \"goma\" (ash glaze), \"hidasuki\" (fire-cord markings), and the scarlet clay texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe scenery, dominated by the clean white clay texture typical of anagama firing and accented by energetic splattered \"tobi-goma\" ash and \"hidasuki\" markings running wildly across the surface, possesses a simple charm that makes you want to gaze at it forever.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe foot (kodai) area, including the sides, is carved quite broadly, resulting in a low-profile, powerful base that suits the shallow, flat-cup style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an unused item that has been carefully stored since its purchase as new.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 10.3cm x 10.0cm x Height 3.1cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was born as the second son of Bizen potter Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in intricate ceramic craftwork.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his path as a potter in earnest after graduating from the Okayama University Faculty of Education's Special Art Course in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, succeeded in restoring 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 utensils, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and sculptures.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he emphasized both molding and firing, establishing a unique style overflowing with modern sensibilities that leveraged the distinct characteristics of the anagama, climbing kiln (noborigama), and electric kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he worked on numerous projects, 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 at the Okayama University Faculty of Education's Special Art Course from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture alongside his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he was appointed a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of the Japan Kōgei Association's 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 recognized as 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 Memorial Award, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618206044257,"sku":"7727","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7727.jpg?v=1790233164","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7727","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}