{"product_id":"p8063","title":"Bizen teacup","description":"This Bizen yunomi (tea cup) by Jun Isezaki breathes a breath of fresh air into Bizen ware, drawing inspiration from the climate and features of his beloved hometown, Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is one of his final works, removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately ten days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), this piece showcases the quintessential Isezaki Bizen finish, featuring a beautiful interplay of goma (sesame ash glaze), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), ito-goma (fine-thread ash patterns), and a stunning gradation of scarlet and amber tones.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIts somewhat charming form evokes the personality of the artist, who was loved by many, and it feels perfectly balanced and natural when held in the hand.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside the cup, the ash carried by the hot air of the kiln has settled like fine, powdery snow in tiny, delicate grains.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile labeled as a yunomi, it can, of course, also be used as a beer mug.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-zan) included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm x 7.1cm x Height 9.6cm\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 masterful craftsmanship.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter learning pottery techniques from his father from a young age and graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education 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 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 ceremony utensils, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing sculptural qualities, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on both forming and firing, he established a unique, contemporary style that leveraged the distinct characteristics of the anagama, climbing kiln, and electric kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in Bizen ceramic wall and relief production, he created numerous works, particularly 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 and his brother Mitsuru were designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he became 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 new Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was recognized as the fifth individual to be designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was named 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 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, Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618237272161,"sku":"8063","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8063.jpg?v=1790233698","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8063","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}