Hello everyone, how are you all doing?
I recently visited Masao Akiya’s studio for his latest kiln opening.
This firing took place a little later than originally planned,
so I could hardly wait to see Mr. Akiya’s latest work after such a long time.
The pieces I saw at this long-awaited kiln opening featured magnificent kiln-altered effects that were well worth the wait.
The "Hikidashi-guro" (pulled black) finish has a brilliant luster, and the natural glaze coating the pieces shows stunning variety.
The rapid cooling process used in pulling the pieces from the kiln makes the "goma" (sesame ash glaze) that covers them transparent,
creating beautiful shades of light and shadow across the wrinkles of the clay that would otherwise be hidden by the ash.
It is the perfect firing for the Isezaki school, renowned for their expertise in expressing clay textures through techniques like internal inflation and tearing.
We have many wonderful new arrivals, so please feel free to reach out with any inquiries.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email Kawaguchi Tourakuen (click here to open email client)
Visit the Kawaguchi Tourakuen website

We have received new arrivals, including pulled black sake sets and pieces with beautiful cobalt blue accents.
Looking at how they turned out, I believe this was a highly successful firing.

These are the seashells used to create the shell marks.
After firing, only the calcium remains, leaving behind the distinctive shell patterns on the work.
