{"product_id":"p7827","title":"Bizen Hikidashiguro Sake Cup","description":"This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen-yaki *hikidashi-guro* (pulled-black) sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with a creativity that never fades.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, fired in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated using the \"hikidashi\" (pull-out) technique that represents the Isezaki school, this extremely rare piece is crafted by placing the vessel near the kiln's firing mouth and extracting it while the kiln is at temperatures nearing 1200°C. Only a few such pieces can be obtained from a single firing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe *goma* (ash glaze) takes on the appearance of amber tinged with blue due to the pull-out process, creating a beautiful, translucent kiln-transmutation unique to *hikidashi* works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe black body also gains a deep, clear blue hue from the reaction of the cobalt within the slip, which will glisten even more beautifully when moistened during use.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile most Bizen ware evokes intense flames and hot winds, the *hikidashi-guro* series possesses a remarkably delicate expression, evoking the gentle scenery of falling rain.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom the smooth black coloration of the clay base to the grand and energetic form, the finish beyond the yellow *goma* and blue kiln-transmutations is quintessentially Jun Isezaki.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box to be provided at a later date (please note that shipping will take some time).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.0cm x 6.9cm x Height 7.4cm\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 *saikumono* (hand-sculpted pieces).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his professional career after graduating from the Art Department of Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-subterranean anagama (climbing) 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\nFocusing on shaping and firing, he established a unique, contemporary style by utilizing the individual characteristics of anagama, noborigama (climbing), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the production of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he created 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 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 Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, 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 produced 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 named 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 include: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, and Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618210271329,"sku":"7827","price":165000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7827.jpg?v=1790233321","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7827","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}