{"product_id":"p7847","title":"Bizen Yohen Sake Cup","description":"This is a brand new Bizen ware kiln-altered sake cup (guinomi), freshly removed from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, removed from the kiln in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile the anagama kiln-altered pieces are particularly rare among Master Jun's body of work, this specific piece features exceptionally stunning firing. Within the strong ash-covering that rivals even a climbing kiln, it displays the unique scenery characteristic of an anagama kiln, making it truly beautiful.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe \"nuke\" (clear patch) on the front reveals a rich, deep scarlet typical of anagama kiln-altered ware, offering a unique, airy charm distinct from the kiln-alterations found in climbing kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHowever, it is no exaggeration to say that the true charm of this sake cup lies hidden within its interior; the base of the vessel displays a vibrant, pristine scarlet, and the moment it meets moisture, the color shines as if it has been imbued with life.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe design is simple, eschewing decorations like stamped patterns to highlight the kiln-alteration, which in turn further accentuates the beauty of the Kumadori arch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.8cm x 6.6cm x Height 6.9cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was born as the second son of Bizen ware artist Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in intricate ceramic craft.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHaving learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age, he embarked on his career in ceramics 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, together with his older brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he successfully restored 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 ceremony utensils, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he placed great importance on forming and firing, establishing a unique style brimming with contemporary sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs using Bizen ware, 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 in the Special Art Course at the Faculty of Education, Okayama University from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture alongside his brother Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association.\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 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: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, etc.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618211516513,"sku":"7847","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7847.jpg?v=1790233354","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7847","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}