{"product_id":"p7830","title":"Bizen Black Sake Cup","description":"This is a brand new Bizen black sake cup (guinomi) fresh from the kiln by the Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who constantly leads the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, fired in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired for about 10 days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln). On its surface, black slip clashes with intense sesame ash glaze (goma), while natural ash glaze dripping from the kiln walls creates a powerful, dramatic landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, this piece has been baptized by flames hitting it from the back; high-quality pine firewood has caused gold-like yellow sesame ash to surge toward the front, where it merges to form a magnificent, bead-like flowing pattern.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition, intense scorched sesame ash has developed near the rim and front, functioning as a different shade of black from the black slip.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is truly fascinating that this scorched sesame ash is located right at the rim; as it gets wet with sake during use, the tone of the scorched black changes, providing deep enjoyment not only for the palate but also visually.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith the smooth black coloration of the clay and its exceptionally large, energetic form, this piece embodies the signature style of Isezaki-sensei, beyond even the yellow sesame and blue yohen effects.\n\nSigned wooden box to follow (please note that it will take some time before shipping).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.1cm × 7.1cm × Height 6.8cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in elaborate sculptures.\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 Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959, he embarked on his career as a potter in earnest.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional wares such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing sculptural qualities, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on forming and firing in his creative process, he established a unique, modern style that makes the most of the characteristics of anagama, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs using Bizen ware, 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 and his brother Mitsuru Isezaki were designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture, 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 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\nIn 2025, he was named a Person of Cultural Merit.\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 Sculpture 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":46618210369633,"sku":"7830","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7830.jpg?v=1790233326","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7830","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}