Hikidashi-guro sake cup

This is a newly kiln-fired *hikidashiguro* (drawn-black) sake cup by Masao Akiya, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works overflowing with unique originality amidst a fresh spirit. It is an orthodox, slightly tall sake cup, but the intense heat of the kiln has deformed it into an oval, capturing the ferocity of the flames. The shell mark directly on the front creates a striking, white-spotted effect. Inside the cup, there are traces where ash accumulated during firing and hardened while in a semi-liquid state as it was pulled from the kiln, creating a magnificent landscape that resembles obsidian. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 6.7cm × Diameter 6.4cm × Height 6.8cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. He studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting in 1998, and after ten years of training, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. He held his first kiln opening in 2009. He has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition" and the Japan Kogei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Award and the Encouragement Award.