Black cup

This is a new black cup by Masao Akiya, an artist who apprenticed under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality amidst a fresh sensibility. Its glossy black surface is stylish and sophisticated. During the last kiln opening, these black slip-coated pieces were highly praised for how the color enhances the look of café au lait and coffee with milk. The surface is finely shaved with a spatula to create textural variations—a subtle, masterful touch characteristic of Akiya’s work. Paper box
Diameter 11.4cm × 9.0cm × Height 7.4cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. After apprenticing under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting in 1998, he completed ten years of training before building his own kiln and establishing his independence in Bizen in 2008. He held his first kiln opening in 2009. His works have been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Award.