{"product_id":"p7844","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a brand new Bizen ware sake cup (guinomi) fresh from the kiln, created by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired with the side designated as the front placed face-down, resulting in the dynamic finish characteristic of an anagama wood-firing kiln, including yellow sesame glaze, flowing sesame, scorched sesame, and the amber-colored earth tone.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nApproximately 70% of the entire work is covered in natural ash glaze, but rather than an even color, the scenery shifts from part to part, allowing you to enjoy a diverse and endlessly engaging landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOn the back of the piece, heavy yellow sesame glaze accumulated during firing and flowed toward the front, forming amber-colored droplets (tamadare).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe heat required to create such intense scenery must have been immense, as evidenced by the center of the interior (mikomi), which has surged upward due to the heat, resembling the hump of an ogre.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith a torrential flow of natural glaze almost completely covering the clay surface and the clay itself seeming to battle back by swelling into a massive hump, this sake cup evokes a truly magnificent worldview.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.9cm x 6.6cm x Height 6.3cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ware artist Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of intricate craftsmanship.\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 the Faculty of Education, Okayama University, in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully reconstructed and fired a medieval 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 prioritized sculptural qualities, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he focused on both molding and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a modern sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing (noborigama), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as 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 at the Special Art Course at the Faculty of Education, Okayama University, from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were recognized as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, 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 new Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was recognized as the fifth individual to be designated as a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit.\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 Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618211418209,"sku":"7844","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7844.jpg?v=1790233350","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7844","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}