{"product_id":"p7828","title":"Bizen Yohen Sake Cup","description":"This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen-ware yohen sake cup (guinomi) by Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, who continues to lead the Bizen-ware world with his ever-enduring creative power.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is the latest work, fired in October 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough the anagama (tunnel kiln) yohen is exceptionally rare even among Isezaki-sensei's body of work, this piece features a truly outstanding firing, with intense ash coverage rivaling that of a climbing kiln, combined with the unique, beautiful scenery characteristic of an anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe back displays intense ash coverage reminiscent of cooling magma, creating a beautiful, dense gray yohen effect similar to that of a climbing kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front portion is perfectly fired due to the influence of the intense flames, leaving behind a clay texture of matte red bean color mixed with shades of orange.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHowever, it is no exaggeration to say that the true charm of this sake cup is hidden within the interior (mikomi); a deep shiso-purple hue with a hint of scarlet spreads across the entire base, combined with sea-slug (namako) textured ash coverage to form exquisite scenery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn harmony with the yohen effect, the form is simple, eschewing decorations such as embossed patterns, which instead serves to further accentuate the beauty of the arching kumadori markings.\n\nSigned wooden box to follow (please note that it will take some time until shipment).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.5cm × 6.5cm × Height 6.9cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen-ware potter Yozan Isezaki, who excelled in intricate craftwork.\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 of the Faculty of Education at Okayama University 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 pieces emphasizing sculptural forms, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his production, he placed great importance on forming and firing, establishing a unique style full of modern sensibility that makes the most of the characteristics of anagama, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was also a leading artist in the production of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, working on numerous projects centered on 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 was designated a holder of an 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 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 designated a holder of the nationally recognized Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), the fifth person to receive this honor for Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was selected 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: Toyo Kaneshige Award, 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, Person of Cultural Merit, etc.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618210304097,"sku":"7828","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7828.jpg?v=1790233324","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p7828","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}