{"product_id":"p7981","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by the 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 removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired for about 10 days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, allowing you to enjoy the dynamic finish unique to this type of firing, including kase-goma (dry ash), yellow goma, ito-goma (thread-like ash), and hidasuki (fire cord) markings.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith the clean, white clay body typical of anagama firing as the foundation, the natural glaze carried by the hot air creates a variety of changes throughout, offering a simplicity that remains endlessly fascinating to behold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front is particularly captivating, featuring a beautiful contrast between red and white, accented by amber kiln transformations (yohen) and lightning-like ito-goma markings.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe interior also centers on the white clay and yellow ash glaze, and when filled with sake, it takes on a vibrant color as if the clay particles were blooming.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile this piece features a simple, minimalist form, this choice effectively highlights the beauty of the various kiln-fired effects.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.0cm x 6.7cm x Height 6.8cm\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 pottery.\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 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 sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe prioritized both shaping and firing, establishing a unique style full of modern sensibility by utilizing the distinct characteristics of anagama, noborigama (climbing kilns), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he worked on numerous public facility projects.\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 and his brother Mitsuru were designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property Holders, and in the same year, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary General of the Japan Kōgei 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 individual to be designated a holder of the nationally recognized Important Intangible Cultural Property 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, the Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Ceramics Exhibition, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and designation as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618221445217,"sku":"7981","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7981.jpg?v=1790233565","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7981","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}