{"product_id":"p6561","title":"Bizen ware sake cup","description":"This is a new Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen ware world with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was taken out of the kiln in December 2021.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile Jun Isezaki is famous for works rich in changing scenery created through anagama (tunnel kiln) firing, this piece is uniquely interesting for deliberately subduing that characteristic to focus instead on the hidaski (fire-cord) and the texture of the clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile there is a technique known as \"climbing kiln hidaski,\" where works are fired inside other pieces or saggars in a climbing kiln, this piece is an \"anagama hidaski\"—a work where the hidaski is the primary focus, despite being fired in an anagama kiln, which is typically used for different effects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was packed inside other works before firing, resulting in ash \"sesame\" (goma) accumulating slowly like snow over the open top, while the sides remain a pure clay surface with hidaski, free from natural glaze.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe sides have a remarkably smooth and pleasant texture, featuring a beautiful clay surface with a slight yellowish tint, accented by the rich, supple patterns of the hidaski.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe form is a simple, elongated silhouette with a foot, overflowing with the signature style of Jun Isezaki, including his trademark large foot.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.8cm × 6.7cm × Height 7.4cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yo-zan Isezaki, who specialized in craft objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and, after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959, he entered the path of professional pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-subterranean 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 work emphasizing sculptural quality, 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, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, as a representative artist for 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 designated as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he became a 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 Prime Minister's Office.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), the fifth person to receive this recognition for Bizen ware.\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 include: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Chanoyu Modeling, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Contribution 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":46618057310305,"sku":"6561","price":60000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6561.jpg?v=1790231641","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6561","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}