{"product_id":"p6256","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a brand new Bizen sake cup (guinomi) fresh from the kiln by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who continues to lead the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible creative spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was fired in May 2021.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln) for about 10 days, and by firing it covered by another vessel, its appearance differs dramatically between the interior and exterior.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nNearly half of the exterior is covered in goma (ash glaze), and the side that faced the fire displays the dry, crusty ash texture unique to the anagama; its hue and quality evoke the image of a vessel surface frozen under a layer of frost.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe side facing the clay features the overall hidasuki (fire-cord) markings characteristic of the covered-firing technique; the markings grow fainter toward the bottom of the interior, creating an intriguing contrast that draws the eye deeper into the vessel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile Jun Isezaki often incorporates ornamentation around the waist or body of his pieces, this work features a simple design with a slightly flared rim, putting the spotlight on the intricate results of the anagama firing.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style) included.\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.8cm × 7.3cm × Height 6.7cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026), born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, was the second son of Bizen ware artist Isezaki Yozan, who specialized in ceramic ornaments.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from an early age, and after graduating from the Special Fine Arts Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959, he began his career as a potter in earnest.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, alongside his brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he successfully restored and fired a medieval-style semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he engaged in a wide range of works emphasizing sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he focused on both molding and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a modern sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of the anagama, climbing kiln, and electric kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as a leading creator 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 Fine Arts 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 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 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\nHe was honored 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: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form 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.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618043121761,"sku":"6256","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6256.jpg?v=1790231382","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6256","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}