{"product_id":"p8088","title":"Bizen Rock Cup","description":"This is a new Bizen rock cup by Jun Isezaki, who has breathed new life into Bizen ware by drawing inspiration from the climate and features of his beloved hometown, Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is one of his final works, fired in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired for approximately 10 days in a semi-underground anagama kiln, this piece showcases the quintessential Isezaki Bizen finish, featuring a beautiful array of goma (sesame glaze), hidasuki (fire-cord markings), ito-goma (thread-like sesame glaze), and a gradation of white clay and scarlet tones.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCrafted from a coarse, sandy clay, the interior—which was shielded from direct flame—exhibits a refreshing orange hue.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDuring the firing process, rice straw was wrapped diagonally around the cup, creating a delightful hidasuki pattern that encircles the entire piece.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, the straw fused with the natural glaze carried by the flames during firing, resulting in varied colors and textures throughout the surface.\n\nSigned wooden box by Koichiro to be provided at a later date (please note that shipping will take some time).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 9.5cm x 8.7cm x Height 7.6cm\n\nJun Isezaki was born as the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a master of ceramic sculpture. He learned pottery from a young age and pursued it professionally 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 vases, plates, and tea utensils to sculptural ceramics and ceramic murals.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn his creative process, he emphasizes both forming and firing, utilizing the distinct characteristics of his materials and kilns (anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns) to develop a style infused with a modern sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is also widely recognized as a leading relief artist and has unveiled numerous works in this field.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was certified as a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1966 and served as a special lecturer in art 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\nIn 2025, he was named a Person of Cultural Merit.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards: Numerous honors including the Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, among others. Served as a juror for prefectural exhibitions.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618241269857,"sku":"8088","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8088.jpg?v=1790233741","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8088","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}