{"product_id":"p8071","title":"Bizen \"Hikidashi-guro\" Sake Cup","description":"This is a new Bizen \"Hikidashi-guro\" (drawn-out black) sake cup by Jun Isezaki, who drew inspiration from his beloved hometown and the natural features of Bizen to breathe a new sense of modernity into Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is one of his final works, removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated using the \"hikidashi\" (drawing out) technique that represents the Isezaki family, this piece is extremely rare; it is placed near the stoking mouth of the kiln and pulled out while the temperature is nearly 1200 degrees Celsius, a process that yields only a few such cups per firing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe \"goma\" (ash glaze) has taken on an amber hue mixed with blue due to the drawing-out process, resulting in a beautiful, translucent kiln-transmutation effect that can only be seen in hikidashi works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe black surface has also turned a deep, clear blue due to the effect of the cobalt in the applied clay, and it is sure to shimmer even more beautifully when moistened during use.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile most Bizen ware evokes images of intense flames and hot winds, the hikidashi-guro variety possesses a uniquely delicate expression, evoking a gentle landscape reminiscent of falling rain.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith its smooth black coloration and its impressively large, energetic form, the piece exhibits the characteristic mastery of Jun Isezaki in areas beyond just the yellow goma and blue kiln-transmutation effects.\n\nSigned wooden box by Koichiro to follow later (please note that it will take some time before shipping).\nDiameter 7.0cm x 6.6cm x Height 7.4cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in fine craftwork.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his full-scale career in ceramics 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 brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully reconstructed and fired a medieval semi-subterranean anagama (climbing kiln).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony ceramics, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized sculptural 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 contemporary sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of the anagama, noborigama (climbing kiln), and electric kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was also a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs using Bizen ware, contributing 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 at the Special Art Course of 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 alongside his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he was appointed as 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 became the fifth person to be recognized as a Nationally Designated Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit in 2025.\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 Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, etc.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618238582881,"sku":"8071","price":165000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8071.jpg?v=1790233712","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8071","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}