Kuroshuten

This is a new black sake cup by Masao Akitani, an artist who trained under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality within a fresh aesthetic. This particular black piece is exceptionally well-fired; the intense natural ash glaze (goma) received from the back has flowed around to the front, forming a necklace-like drip of glaze 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 hints of pale blue appearing in various spots. The form, with its slightly constricted waist reminiscent of his mentor Jun Isezaki, feels both orthodox and refined.
*There is a slight wobble. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please note that it will take some time before shipping)
Diameter 7.1cm × 6.8cm × Height 6.8cm Masao Akitani 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 firing in 2009. His works have been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Art 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.