{"product_id":"p8134","title":"Bizen Hikidashi-guro Tea Bowl","description":"Drawing inspiration from his beloved hometown and the natural landscape of Bizen, this is a new \"Hikidashi-guro\" (drawn-out black) tea bowl by the late master Jun Isezaki, who breathed a fresh wind of the new era into Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is one of his final works, fired in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated using the \"hikidashi\" (drawing-out) technique that defines the Isezaki school, the bowl was placed near the kiln's firebox and pulled out while still in the 1,200-degree heat of the firing process. It is an exceptionally rare piece, with only a few such bowls successfully produced in a single firing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe \"goma\" (ash glaze) has taken on the appearance of amber infused with blue tones due to the sudden withdrawal from the kiln, resulting in a beautiful, translucent kiln-transmutation that can only be seen in hikidashi works.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe black surface has achieved a deep, clear tone thanks to the reaction of the cobalt in the clay slip, and it will surely glisten even more beautifully when moistened for use.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile most Bizen ware evokes images of intense flames and hot winds, \"Hikidashi-guro\" possesses a uniquely delicate expression, evoking the gentle, evocative scenery of falling rain.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom the smooth black coloring of the clay body to the boldly deformed \"rinka\" (flower petal) shape, the piece displays the master's characteristic touch in every detail beyond just the yellow goma and blue kiln-transmutation.\u003cbr\u003e\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 12.2cm x 11.8cm x Height 8.9cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJun Isezaki (1936–2026, born in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) was the second son of Bizen ceramic artist Yozan Isezaki, who was highly skilled in intricate craftsmanship.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned pottery techniques from his father from a young age, and after graduating from the Special Art Course at Okayama University's Faculty of Education in 1959, he began his career as a professional potter.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1962, he and his older brother, Mitsuru Isezaki, succeeded in reconstructing and firing a medieval-style semi-subterranean anagama (climbing kiln).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn addition to traditional vessels such as flower vases, plates, and tea ceremony utensils, he also engaged extensively in sculptural works including ceramic walls, reliefs, and objects.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe emphasized both forming and firing, establishing a unique style infused with a modern sensibility by leveraging the distinct characteristics of anagama, climbing kilns, 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 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 Isezaki, were designated as Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. 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 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 such recipient 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 include: Kanamoto Toyo Prize, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Contribution Award, Okayama Prefecture Miki Memorial Award, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and Person of Cultural Merit.","brand":"伊勢崎 淳","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49097151479905,"sku":"8134","price":1100000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8134.jpg?v=1790860862","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8134","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}