{"product_id":"p8123","title":"Bizen Black Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen black sake cup (guinomi) by Jun Isezaki, who drew various inspirations from his beloved hometown, Bizen, and breathed a new era of style into Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a piece from his later years, taken from the kiln several years ago.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired in a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln) and infused with plenty of smoke, the piece features a unique luster distinct from standard black Bizen works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front displays a concentrated patch of yellow \"goma\" (ash glaze) that flows like a waterfall, creating a majestic, painting-like atmosphere when combined with the fresh, vibrant tones of the black surface.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nUncommon even among Jun Isezaki's works, this piece uses a notably coarse, rough clay, which creates a mix of highly lustrous and matte textures not found in typical black Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile the front has a wet, gleaming luster, the interior and the back possess a contrasting matte texture, revealing the rugged, gritty particles of the clay body for an intriguing finish.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith its black coloration featuring two types of luster and a form that is both powerful and elegant, this sake cup is a signature work by Jun Isezaki, offering a wealth of details to admire.\n\nSigned wooden box by Koichiro to be provided at a later date (please note that it will take some time before shipping).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.9cm x 6.7cm x Height 6.4cm\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Yozan Isezaki, a Bizen ware artist known for his skill in figurative ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his full-scale career in ceramics after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his elder brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval-style semi-underground tunnel kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceramics, he engaged in a wide range of work focusing on form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and sculptures.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nEmphasizing both shaping and firing in his process, he established a unique, contemporary style by leveraging the characteristics of tunnel kilns, 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 for the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education from 1978 to 1987.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he and his brother Mitsuru were recognized as Holders of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and that 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 Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was recognized as the fifth person to be a nationally designated Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property 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 include the Toyo Kaneshige Memorial Award, the Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Ceramics, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Merit Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and designation as a Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618247233633,"sku":"8123","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8123.jpg?v=1790233799","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8123","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}