{"product_id":"p8005","title":"Bizen Yohen Sake Bottle","description":"This is a new Bizen kiln-transmutation sake bottle by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen pottery world with an unceasingly creative spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough among Jun Isezaki's body of work, an ana-gama (tunnel kiln) transmutation piece like this is exceptionally rare, this particular bottle displays an outstanding finish that even rivals pieces fired in a nobori-gama (climbing kiln). The intense ash glazing is complemented by the distinctive aesthetic unique to the ana-gama, making it truly beautiful.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe \"nuke\" (clear area) on the front reveals a rich scarlet color characteristic of ana-gama transmutation, offering a unique, light quality that differs from the transmutation found in climbing kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe back features a complex spread of ash glazing in shades of yellow, gray, and black. When moistened, the various hues contained within this ash glaze emerge even more vividly.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo harmonize with the kiln transmutation, the piece has a simple design devoid of decorative elements like stamped patterns, which only serves to further accentuate the beauty of the arching shadow lines.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile Jun Isezaki often prefers slightly larger forms, this piece is finished in a classic size with a body diameter of 9 cm. It is a masterful expression of a standard Bizen pottery form—the transmutation sake bottle—while fully showcasing the artist's signature style.\n\nSigned wooden box to be provided later (please note that it will take over a month to ship).\u003cbr\u003e\nMouth diameter 3.7 cm x Body diameter 9.0 cm x Body diameter 8.8 cm x Height 13.4 cm; Capacity approx. 400 cc\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen potter Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of ceramic craftsmanship.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and, after graduating from the Special Art Course at the Faculty of Education, Okayama University in 1959, he began his full-scale pursuit of pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, alongside his older brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-subterranean ana-gama (tunnel 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 form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he prioritized both forming and firing, establishing a unique style brimming with modern sensibility by utilizing the characteristics of tunnel, climbing, 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 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 the Faculty of Education, Okayama University from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. That 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 as a Living National Treasure (Holder of 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: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618225901665,"sku":"8005","price":330000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8005.jpg?v=1790233605","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8005","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}