{"product_id":"p8094","title":"Bizen tea cup","description":"This Bizen teacup is the work of Jun Isezaki, who drew inspiration from the climate of his beloved hometown of Bizen and breathed a breath of new life into Bizen pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a late-career piece, removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately ten days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, the piece showcases the hallmark characteristics of Isezaki Bizen, including sesame (goma) glaze, hidasuki markings, fine thread-like sesame, and a beautiful gradation of scarlet and amber hues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe somewhat charming form evokes the personality of the artist, who was beloved by all, and it fits comfortably in the hand when held.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside the cup, fine sesame particles carried by the hot air of the anagama kiln have settled like powdery snow.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough labeled as a teacup, it can of course also be used as a beer mug.\n\nBox signed by Koichiro (Note: Please allow some time for shipment as the box signature will be completed later.)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.4cm x 7.2cm x Height 9.2cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a Bizen potter specializing in decorative craftwork.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age, and began his professional career 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 and fired a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional wares such as vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and art objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFocusing on both forming and firing, he established a unique, modern style that harnessed the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing (noborigama), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, he produced 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 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 recognized as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property; that 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 became the fifth person to be designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for Bizen pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was honored 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 Toyo Kaneshige 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, and Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618242285665,"sku":"8094","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8094.jpg?v=1790233752","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8094","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}