{"product_id":"p8121","title":"Bizen Yohen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen kiln-transformation (yohen) sake cup by the late Jun Isezaki, who drew inspiration from the climate of his beloved Bizen homeland to breathe new life into the Bizen-yaki tradition.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece was kept by the artist himself after being fired during his lifetime, and its remarkably clear \"nuke\" (uncovered) area is a rarity among kiln-transformed pieces from an anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile anagama kiln-transformed works are exceptionally rare even among Isezaki's collection, this piece boasts a superior level of firing that stands out from the rest; the intense ash deposit, rivaling that of a climbing kiln, creates a beautiful, unique metallic luster.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe \"nuke\" on the front, despite being subjected to intense flames, has not been completely scorched away; the exquisite texture of the clay, with its faint hints of crimson, becomes even more beautiful when moistened during use.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, the vividness of the \"kumadori\" shading—the border between the kiln-transformation and the \"nuke\"—is a distinctive feature, revealing a lovely, melting reddish-purple clay tone with golden highlights.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe form is simple and generous, eschewing decorations like stamped patterns to better showcase the kiln-transformation; this choice only serves to further accentuate the beauty of the aforementioned arched shading.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box by Koichiro (Please note that it will take some time before shipping.)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.2cm × 6.9cm × Height 7.8cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen-yaki master Yozan Isezaki, who was known for his mastery of ceramic sculpture.\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 Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, alongside his brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-subterranean anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he engaged in a wide range of work emphasizing form, including ceramic murals, reliefs, and sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe prioritized both forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with modern sensibility by leveraging the characteristics of anagama, climbing, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of Bizen-yaki ceramic murals 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 Okayama University's Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he was designated as a holder of an Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property alongside his brother Mitsuru, and in the same year, he assumed the roles of Director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary-General of its Chugoku Branch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2002, he created a ceramic mural for the new Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was recognized as a nationally designated Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), the fifth person to receive this honor for Bizen-yaki.\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\nMajor awards and honors: Kaneshige Toyo Award, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefectural Cultural Award, Person of Cultural Merit, among others.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618246873185,"sku":"8121","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8121.jpg?v=1790233795","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8121","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}