{"product_id":"p7875","title":"Bizen Beer Mug","description":"This brand-new Bizen ware beer mug has just been taken from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible well of creativity.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was fired in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately 10 days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), this piece showcases the quintessential Isezaki Bizen finish, featuring a beautiful interplay of sesame (goma) glaze, scarlet fire-cord (hidasuki), thread-sesame (itogoma), and gradations between white clay and crimson.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece uses a coarse clay rich in sand, with grains subtly visible through the crimson gradations.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nRice straw was draped diagonally across the work before firing, and the sight of the scarlet fire-cord circling the entire mug is so captivating that one easily loses track of time while following the flow of the straw marks.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as the straw burned, it fused with the natural ash glaze, transforming into what is known as \"thread-sesame,\" where the impression of the straw remains.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside the cup, the sesame glaze carried by the hot air of the tunnel kiln has settled like fine powder snow in tiny, delicate flecks.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile labeled as a beer mug on the box, it can, of course, also be used as a tea cup.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-zan) included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm x 7.3cm x Height 9.2cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, an expert in ceramic crafts. He began learning pottery at a young age, and after graduating from the Okayama University Special Art Course in 1959, he embarked on his career as a ceramic artist.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work spans a wide range, from traditional items such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils to ceramic wall reliefs and sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he emphasizes both forming and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and various kilns (tunnel kilns, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create a style that is infused with a modern sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also widely recognized as a leading figure in relief art, having unveiled numerous works in the field.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was certified as a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his older brother Mitsuru were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property, and in the same year, he began serving as the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) in July 2004.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was named a Person of Cultural Merit in 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards and honors: Numerous awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, and Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition; member of the prefectural exhibition jury.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618212532321,"sku":"7875","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7875.jpg?v=1790233401","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7875","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}