{"product_id":"p8075","title":"Bizen Hikidashiguro Sake Cup","description":"This is a new *Bizen hikidashiguro* (pulled-out black) sake cup by the late Jun Isezaki, who drew various inspirations from the climate and features of his beloved hometown of Bizen, bringing a breath of a new era to Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a final work from the artist, kiln-fired in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated using the \"pulling\" technique that represents the Isezaki school, this is a highly rare *hikidashiguro* sake cup, of which only a few can be produced in a single firing, as it must be placed near the kiln mouth and removed from the 1200-degree heat during the firing process.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to being pulled from the kiln, the *goma* (ash glaze) has taken on an amber hue mixed with blue, resulting in a beautiful, translucent kiln-transmutation unique to *hikidashiguro* works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe black surface has also become a deep, clear black due to the effect of cobalt in the applied slip; it will likely 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, *hikidashiguro* possesses a very different, delicate expression, evoking a gentle scene reminiscent of falling rain.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith the smooth black coloration of the clay and the highly substantial, energetic form, the finish is quintessentially that of Jun Isezaki, even beyond the yellow *goma* and blue kiln-transmutation.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box by Koichiro (with square strips)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.8cm x 6.6cm x Height 6.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was born the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who excelled in decorative pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age, and after graduating from the Special Art Course of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University in 1959, he entered the path of pottery in earnest.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, together with his older brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-underground *anagama* (climbing kiln).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils, he worked extensively on works that emphasized sculptural qualities, such as ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he emphasized both molding and firing, establishing a unique style full of modern sensibility that made the most of the characteristics of *anagama*, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs using Bizen ware, he worked on numerous projects, mainly 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 of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property along with his brother Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary General of the 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 designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property), the fifth person to receive this honor 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 include the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, and Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618239238241,"sku":"8075","price":165000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8075.jpg?v=1790233719","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8075","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}