Kuroshuten

This is a new black sake cup by Masao Akitani, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with his own unique originality within a fresh spirit. The black pieces in this collection are exceptionally well-fired; the intense ash glaze (goma) received from the back flows around to the front, forming a necklace-like drip of beads right at the center. Responding to the intensity of the firing, the black surface has undergone a magnificent transformation, becoming a deep, lustrous black Bizen texture with pale blue hues appearing in some areas. The large, bold form—which could also be used as a small tea cup—combined with Akitani’s original patterns results in a work of great power. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 8.9cm x 8.1cm x Height 7.5cm Masao Akitani 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. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Form" exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch exhibition, and he has received awards including the Prefectural Exhibition Award and Encouragement Award at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition.