{"product_id":"p7940","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a brand-new Bizen sake cup (guinomi) fresh from the kiln, created by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible creative spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front of the piece was placed face-down during firing, allowing you to enjoy the dynamic results of the anagama kiln, including yellow sesame (kigoza), flowing sesame, scorched sesame, and the amber-toned clay texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile natural glaze covers about 70% of the work, it does not have a uniform color; instead, the kiln transformation varies by section, creating a diverse landscape that never tires the eye.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe back of the piece is generously coated in yellow sesame glaze from the firing process, which flowed toward the front to form amber-colored drops.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAdditionally, the sides feature a unique kiln transformation where \"sangiri\" (reduction firing) and scorched sesame mix, creating a curious effect as if a segment of \"haikaburi\" (ash-covered) style ware had been cut out and applied to this section.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe torrential flow of natural glaze, which almost entirely covers the clay surface, combines with the grand, bold form typical of Jun Isezaki to create a truly magnificent piece.\n\nSigned wooden box (tomobako) to be provided later (please note that shipping will take over one month).\nDiameter 6.9cm x 6.7cm x Height 7.0cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ware artist Yoza Isezaki, who specialized in craft objects.\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 and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, 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 ceramics, he engaged in a wide range of works emphasizing sculptural qualities, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and art objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on forming and firing, he established a unique style full of contemporary sensibility that makes the most of the characteristics of anagama, climbing (noborigama), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist for 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 for the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property, and in the same year, he became 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 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 include the Kaneshige Toyo Award, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618214727777,"sku":"7940","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7940.jpg?v=1790233503","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7940","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}