{"product_id":"p7857","title":"Bizen ware teacup","description":"This is a brand new Bizen ware teacup, freshly taken from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was fired in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately ten days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), this piece showcases the quintessential Isezaki Bizen finish, featuring a rich interplay of goma (ash glaze), hidaski (fire cord), itogoma (thread-like ash), and the beautiful gradation between white clay and scarlet hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece uses a coarse, sand-rich clay, allowing the fine grains to show through the scarlet gradations.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nRice straw was draped diagonally across the vessel during firing, creating a hidaski pattern that encircles the entire cup; the flow of the straw is so mesmerizing that one easily loses track of time while tracing it with their eyes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as the straw burned, it fused with the natural glaze, transforming into \"itogoma\" patterns that retain the shape of the straw.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside the cup, ash carried by the kiln's hot air has settled like fine, powdery snow in tiny, delicate grains.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile labeled as a teacup on the box, it is, of course, also perfect for use as a beer mug.\n\nOriginal signed wooden box (shiho-zan) included.\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.8cm × 6.6cm × Height 8.8cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic sculpture. He learned pottery from a young age and embarked on his professional career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work spans a wide range, from traditional items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to ceramic walls and sculptural art objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he emphasizes both molding and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to develop a style infused with a modern sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also widely recognized as a leading relief artist and has unveiled numerous works in that field.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was certified as a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special lecturer in fine arts at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, were both designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. That same year, he began serving as the Secretary-General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn July 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) by the Japanese government.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was honored as a Person of Cultural Merit.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Recipient of the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, among many others \/ Prefectural Exhibition Judge","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618211844193,"sku":"7857","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7857.jpg?v=1790233371","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7857","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}