{"product_id":"p8114","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a new Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by the late Jun Isezaki, who drew diverse inspiration from the landscape of his beloved hometown, Bizen, to breathe a new era of style into Bizen pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis posthumous work was wheel-thrown by Jun Isezaki in January 2026 and fired by Koichiro Isezaki in July of the same year.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated during a period when Jun Isezaki’s health had improved around January of this year, the piece possesses such a powerful form that it is hard to believe it was made just before his passing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is said that his fingernails were slightly long when he threw the piece, and these marks remain on the body like potter's wheel lines, serving as a subtle accent within the relaxed form.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to the intense flames, about half of the piece is covered in natural ash glaze, while the lower section, shielded from the direct flame, transitions into an exposed clay surface.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, the clay portion features a vivid *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern, which, like a bolt of crimson lightning running through the soft white of the clay, is truly spectacular to behold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe foot, with its uniquely effortless carving, is deeply evocative; looking at it, I am reminded of Jun Isezaki’s smile as he would gently watch over his students at the wheel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to a malfunction with the camera equipment, the photos appear slightly dark. Please contact us if you would like photos taken with an iPhone in natural lighting.\n\nSigned by Koichiro Isezaki on the box at a later date (please note that shipping will take some time).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm x 7.2cm x Height 6.6cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen potter Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in ceramic ornaments.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his career in earnest 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, succeeded in reconstructing and firing 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 forms, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe placed great importance on both forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a modern sensibility by utilizing the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing kilns, 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 regular 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 Isezaki were designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he was appointed 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 designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property), becoming the fifth such recipient in Bizen pottery.\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 Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618245628001,"sku":"8114","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8114.jpg?v=1790233785","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8114","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}