{"product_id":"p7876","title":"Bizen ware black sake cup","description":"This is a brand new Bizen black sake cup, fresh 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 of Reiwa 7 (2025).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately 10 days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), the piece features a struggle between the black slip and intense \"goma\" (ash glaze) on its surface, while natural ash glaze spilling from the kiln walls creates a powerful, dramatic landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, rather than being placed on its side, this piece was fired in a vertical position, allowing a veil-like layer of yellow goma to drape over the work while revealing patches of lustrous black.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe areas that faced the flames directly have formed intense, scorched goma, capturing the ferocity of the fire characteristic of Isezaki sensei’s dynamic firing style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAdditionally, because it was fired upright, a vertical \"rain\" of ash fell into the interior, creating a fascinating contrast between the thick yellow goma pooled at the bottom of the vessel and the jet-black walls of the sides.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith the smooth black coloration of the clay and the remarkably large, energetic form, this piece serves as a distillation of the unique charm of his black-fired works.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.1cm × 7.1cm × Height 7.0cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026), born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of sculpted ceramic works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter learning pottery techniques from his father from a young age and graduating from the Special Art Course of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University in 1959, he embarked on his career as a professional potter.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully reconstructed a medieval-style 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 form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlacing great importance on both forming and firing, he established a unique, modern style by utilizing the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he produced numerous works 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 Okayama University's Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property 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 its Chugoku branch.\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\nHe was selected 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 Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Art, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefectural Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, and designation as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618212565089,"sku":"7876","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7876.jpg?v=1790233403","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7876","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}