{"product_id":"p8126","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a new Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by the late master Jun Isezaki, who drew inspiration from the climate and culture of his beloved hometown of Bizen to breathe a breath of fresh air into Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a posthumous work, 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 when Jun Isezaki’s health improved around January of this year, the piece features a powerful form that one would hardly believe was crafted just before his passing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is said that his nails were slightly long when he was at the wheel, and this has left marks on the body similar to wheel ridges, serving as a subtle accent within the relaxed form.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe humidity from the long rains in July affected Koichiro Isezaki's firing process, resulting in a 'kase-goma' (crusty ash) glaze that coats the piece like frost.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe clay body features a vivid 'hidasuki' (fire-cord) pattern typical of anagama kiln firing, looking like flashes of crimson lightning striking through the soft white of the clay—a truly spectacular sight.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe foot has a uniquely relaxed carving that is deeply evocative, and looking at it brings to mind the smile of Jun Isezaki as he gently watched over his students at the wheel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nBox signed by Koichiro Isezaki (Shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.1cm × 6.9cm × Height 6.7cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was born as the second son of Bizen ware artist Yozan Isezaki, who excelled in intricate ceramic crafts.\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 the Okayama University 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 vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he worked extensively on works emphasizing sculptural qualities, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he emphasized both forming and firing, establishing a unique style full of modern sensibility by utilizing the characteristics of anagama, climbing (noborigama), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was also a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs using Bizen ware, working on numerous projects 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 for the Special Art Course at Okayama University’s Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property alongside his brother Mitsuru, and in the same year, he assumed the positions of Director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of the association's Chugoku branch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2002, he created a ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister's Office.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was recognized as the fifth individual to be designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2025, he was selected 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 Kaneshige Toyo Award, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618247790689,"sku":"8126","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8126.jpg?v=1790233804","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8126","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}