Yakishime Sake Cup

This is the latest *yakishime* sake cup fresh from the kiln by Masao Akiya, an artist who trained under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works overflowing with unique originality within a new spirit. By using Shigaraki clay, he has successfully created a hybrid of Bizen and Shigaraki, featuring a beautiful scarlet clay texture and a strong, white *goma* (ash glaze). The generous amount of yellow *goma* changes color depending on the area and placement, never failing to captivate the viewer. Using a technique where linear patterns are carved into the clay block and then expanded outward, the lines spread with beautiful wrinkles, skillfully expressing the powerful expression and vitality of the earth.

View Kawaguchi Tourakuen blog post Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for delivery)
Diameter 7.1cm × Diameter 6.6cm × Height 7.4cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. He began his apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki 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. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Prize.