{"product_id":"p8132","title":"Bizen Black Sake Cup","description":"Drawing inspiration from the climate and culture of his beloved hometown of Bizen, this is a new Bizen black sake cup (guinomi) by the late master Jun Isezaki, who breathed a fresh wind of the new era into Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a work from his final period, removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired slowly and thoroughly in a semi-underground anagama kiln, the work features a dynamic clash between the black slip and intense \"goma\" (ash glaze), with some areas transforming into a blue kiln change (ao-yohen) caused by the cobalt contained within the slip.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFired while laid on its side, natural glaze fell from the back to cover the entire piece, creating a highly animated and magnificent flowing goma landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, along the rim and sides, the natural glaze has melted and solidified into a thick, intense scorched-ash glaze, which, combined with the black slip, creates a rich cobalt-blue kiln change.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe fact that this blue kiln change appears right at the rim makes this cup particularly interesting; as it becomes wet with sake during use, the colors become even more vivid, delighting not only the tongue but also the eye.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith the high-gloss black coloration and the impressively large, energetic form, it is a finish characteristic of master Isezaki, offering many details to behold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to the intense firing, there are a few slight blisters on the inside, but this does not pose any problem for use.\n\nAccompanied by a box signed by Koichiro (to be sent at a later date; we apologize for the delay).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm x 6.6cm x Height 7.3cm\n\nMaster Jun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Inbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ware artist Yozan Isezaki, who excelled in decorative works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age and began his path as a professional potter 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 older brother Mitsuru Isezaki, he restored a medieval semi-underground anagama kiln and succeeded in firing it.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as vases, plates, and tea ware, he engaged in a wide range of works emphasizing form, including ceramic walls, reliefs, and sculptural objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe placed great importance on both forming and firing, establishing a unique style overflowing with a contemporary sensibility that leveraged the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing (noborigama), and electric kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a leading artist in the creation of ceramic walls and reliefs using Bizen ware, 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 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 recognized as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property alongside his brother Mitsuru Isezaki, and in the same year, he was appointed as a director of the Japan Kōgei Association and Secretary General of the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2002, he created the ceramic wall for the new Prime Minister's Official Residence.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2004, he was recognized as the fifth individual to be named 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 Kaneshige Toyo Award, the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Arts Exhibition, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Achievement Award, the Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and the title of Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49097144402017,"sku":"8132","price":132000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8132.jpg?v=1790860857","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8132","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}