{"product_id":"p7483","title":"Bizen Black Sake Cup","description":"This is a newly fired Bizen black sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, an artist who consistently leads the world of Bizen ware with an inexhaustible, ever-evolving creativity.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for ten days in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln), this piece features a dynamic interplay between the black slip and intense \"goma\" (ash glaze) on the surface, further enhanced by natural glaze dripping from the kiln walls to create a powerful landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, the back of this piece was generously bathed in fire, causing the yellow goma—which resembles gold dust and was created using high-quality split pine wood—to flow toward the front, where it merges to form a magnificent \"tamadare\" (beaded drip) pattern.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAdditionally, intense \"koge-goma\" (scorched ash glaze) has developed around the rim and the front, serving as a distinct black shade separate from that of the black slip.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe placement of this scorched ash glaze around the rim is truly fascinating; as it is moistened by sake during use, the hue of the scorched black changes, providing a delightful experience not only for the palate but also for the eyes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith the smooth black coloration of the clay and the remarkably large, energetic form, the work is unmistakably characteristic of Isezaki Sensei, even beyond the yellow goma and blue kiln-transmutation effects.\n\nSigned wooden box to follow (please note that shipment will take some time).\u003cbr\u003e\nDimensions: 7.1cm x 6.7cm (including tamadare) × 7.1cm in height\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of ornate 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 elder brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, succeeded in reconstructing and firing a medieval-style semi-underground anagama.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional wares such as flower vases, plates, and tea utensils, he worked extensively on pieces emphasizing form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlacing great importance on both shaping and firing, he established a unique style imbued with a modern sensibility, utilizing the specific 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 full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a lecturer at the Special Art Course of the Okayama University 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 Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and in the same year, he became 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 person to be designated a Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in the field of 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 Prize, Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Ceramics, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and designation as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618180780129,"sku":"7483","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7483.jpg?v=1790232781","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p7483","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}