Bizen Black Sake Cup

This Bizen black sake cup is the work of Masao Akitani, who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with a unique originality amidst a new spirit. It is an exceptionally large piece, so much so that it would be no exaggeration to call it a small tea cup. The flared form, reminiscent of a budding flower just beginning to open, makes the work appear even larger. To match such a bold piece, the firing is also highly dynamic, with the generous yellow sesame glaze on the back sliding vigorously down the surface of the vessel as if it had burst into a relay race. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 8.5cm x Diameter 7.9cm x Height 7.7cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. In 1998, he began an apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, 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 Art Museum’s "The Art of Tea" 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.