{"product_id":"p7041","title":"Bizen ware teacup","description":"This is a new Bizen tea cup, fresh from the kiln, by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the world of Bizen pottery with an inexhaustible creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, removed from the kiln in June 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was fired slowly for about ten days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), resulting in a finish that showcases the representative characteristics of Isezaki Bizen, including goma (ash glaze), hidaski (fire-cord marks), ito-goma (thread-like ash), sangiri (reduction firing), and gradations of scarlet.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile the anagama is famous for scenery where ash glaze and fire-cord marks intermingle, this piece was placed in a position less directly exposed to the flames, leaving the wrapped rice straw patterns intact and creating a look closer to traditional hidaski.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rice straw wrapped around the piece has transferred a deep, rich hidaski pattern onto the clay surface; the colors shift dramatically in response to subtle changes in the firing environment, turning dark near the sangiri areas and vivid scarlet near the white clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside, ash has accumulated like falling powdery snow, with the patterns lingering on the walls in accordance with the wheel marks left by the artist’s fingers during throwing, making for an intriguing visual.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough labeled as a tea cup on the box, it can, of course, also be used as a beer mug.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san) included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.8cm x 7.7cm x Height 9.5cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born the second son of Yozen Isezaki, an expert in ceramic sculpture, and began learning pottery from a young age. He embarked on his career after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work spans a wide range, from traditional items such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceramics to ceramic wall reliefs and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production process, he places great importance on both molding and firing, utilizing the unique characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to create a style imbued with a modern sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also recognized as a leading relief artist, having unveiled numerous works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was certified as a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966, and served as a special art lecturer at Okayama University for nine years starting in 1978.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were both designated as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property holders, and in the same year, he became the Secretary General of the Chugoku Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn July 2004, he was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards and honors: Numerous awards including the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Prize, and Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition \/ Prefectural Exhibition Judge","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618730397793,"sku":"7041","price":40000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7041.jpg?v=1790241479","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p7041","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}