{"product_id":"p7886","title":"Bizen black sake cup","description":"This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen black sake cup by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, removed from the kiln in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired for about 10 days in a semi-underground anagama kiln. The interplay between the black slip and the intense \"goma\" (ash glaze) on the surface, combined with natural glaze spilling from the kiln walls, creates a powerful landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, this piece was fired in a vertical position rather than on its side, allowing a veil-like yellow goma to cover the work while revealing the lustrous black in certain areas.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe sections that faced the flames directly formed an intense scorched goma, capturing the ferocity of the fire—a characteristic of Jun Isezaki’s dynamic firing style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMoreover, because it was fired vertically, a \"rain\" of ash fell straight down into the interior; the contrast between the thick yellow goma pooled at the bottom of the vessel and the jet-black walls of the sides creates an intriguing visual experience.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith the smooth black coloration of the clay and its exceptionally large, energetic form, this piece condenses the true appeal of his black-fired works.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.0cm x 6.9cm x Height 6.8cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen potter Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in ceramic figures.\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 Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he successfully reconstructed and fired a medieval-style semi-underground anagama kiln with his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he emphasized both forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a modern sensibility by utilizing the distinct characteristics of anagama kilns, 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, 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 Okayama University's Faculty of Education 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 along with his brother Mitsuru, and in the same year, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of the association's 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 National Important Intangible Cultural Property for Bizen pottery.\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: Toyo Kaneshige 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":46618212892769,"sku":"7886","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7886.jpg?v=1790233420","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7886","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}