Hikidashi-guro guinomi (Black-fired sake cup)

This is a new *hikidashi-guro* (pulled-black) sake cup by Masao Akitaya, an artist who trained under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works full of unique originality with a fresh sensibility. Created by pulling the piece directly from the kiln during firing, the black clay body and *goma* (ash glaze) become translucent. It has the appearance of obsidian, possessing a cool, chic atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional Bizen ware. The interior was shaped by throwing on a potter's wheel and then refining with a spatula. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 7.2cm × Diameter 7.1cm × Height 6.7cm Masao Akitaya was born in Saitama in 1968. He studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting in 1998, and after a ten-year apprenticeship, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. His first kiln firing took place in 2009. His works have 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 Award and the Encouragement Award.