{"product_id":"p8131","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a new Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by the late Jun Isezaki, who drew inspiration from the climate and culture of his beloved hometown of Bizen to breathe a breath of fresh air into Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a posthumous work, with the piece shaped on the potter's wheel by Jun Isezaki in January 2026 and fired by Koichiro Isezaki in July of the same year.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated around January of this year when Jun Isezaki's health had briefly improved, the piece features a remarkably powerful form that belies the fact it was made shortly before his passing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is said that his fingernails were slightly long when he threw the piece on the wheel, leaving marks on the body that resemble wheel-thrown lines and providing a subtle accent to the relaxed, fluid form.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe humidity caused by the long rains in July affected the firing by Koichiro Isezaki, resulting in a frosted *kase-goma* (dry, ash-crusted) glaze that covers the work like a layer of frost.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOn the unglazed clay surface, a vibrant *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern—characteristic of anagama kiln firing—has been achieved, looking like streaks of crimson lightning across the soft white of the clay body; it is a truly spectacular sight.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe foot rim, carved with a unique sense of ease, is deeply evocative, and looking at it brings to mind the gentle smile of Jun Isezaki as he watched over his students at the potter's wheel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned box by Koichiro Isezaki (Shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.6cm x 6.5cm, Height 6.2cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ware artist Yozan Isezaki, who specialized in ceramic ornaments.\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, he and his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, successfully restored and fired a medieval semi-subterranean anagama (climbing kiln).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony wares, he worked extensively on pieces that emphasized sculptural form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objets d'art.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe prioritized the processes of forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a modern sensibility that leveraged the characteristics of anagama, climbing kilns, and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was also a leading artist in the creation of Bizen ceramic walls and reliefs, working on numerous projects 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 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 Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture alongside his brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he was appointed a 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 recognized as the fifth person to be designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for 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: Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition, 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":46618248806497,"sku":"8131","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8131.jpg?v=1790233811","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8131","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}