Hikidashi-guro sake cup

This is a brand new *hikidashi-guro* (pulled-black) sake cup just fresh from the kiln by Masao Akiya, a potter who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality within a fresh sensibility. Through the rapid cooling caused by the *hikidashi* technique, stunning gradations have emerged in the wrinkles and carving marks that would normally be hidden by the *goma* (ash glaze). The translucent black surface has a bluish tint, and the gradient from black to dark blue resembles a gemstone. The thick pool of natural glaze inside the cup looks like a black jewel, and together with the natural glaze covering the entire piece, it vividly conveys the state of the *goma* during firing, which is usually impossible to see.

View the blog post for this sake cup Signed box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 7.7cm × Diameter 7.3cm × Height 6.6cm Masao Akiya 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. His first firing took place in 2009. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art "Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition" and the Japan Kogei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and Encouragement Award.