{"product_id":"p7843","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 Bizen-yaki world with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, removed from the kiln in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated using the \"pulling\" technique that defines the Isezaki school, this is an exceptionally rare *hikidashi-guro* cup. It is placed near the firing mouth of the kiln and extracted while the interior is at temperatures near 1200 degrees Celsius, meaning only a very small number can be produced in a single firing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe *goma* (ash glaze) has taken on an amber hue mixed with blue due to the pulling process, resulting in a beautiful, translucent *yohen* (kiln change) that can only be seen in works created with this technique.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe black body has also taken on a deep, clear blue tone thanks to the reaction of cobalt within the clay coating, which will surely sparkle even more beautifully when moistened during use.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile most Bizen-yaki works evoke the intensity of fire and hot wind, the *hikidashi-guro* pieces possess an entirely different, highly delicate expression, evoking the gentle scene of falling rain.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom the smooth black coloring of the clay to the remarkably large and energetic form, the piece bears all the hallmarks of Master Isezaki’s signature style beyond just the yellow *goma* and blue *yohen*.\n\nSigned wooden box included (Shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.2cm × 6.8cm × Height 7.0cm\n\nMaster Jun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen-yaki artist Yozan Isezaki, who was highly skilled in detailed ceramic work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his full-scale pottery career 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, succeeded in reconstructing and firing a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing sculptural forms, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and art objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe prioritized both shaping and firing in his process, establishing a unique style full of modern sensibility by utilizing the specific characteristics of anagama kilns, climbing kilns, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as a leading artist in the creation of Bizen-yaki 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 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 Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Okayama Prefecture; that same year, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of the Chugoku branch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2002, he created a ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he became the fifth person to be designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Bizen-yaki.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was honored 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 Award, the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618211385441,"sku":"7843","price":165000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7843.jpg?v=1790233348","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7843","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}