Bizen black sake cup

This is a newly fired Bizen black sake cup by Masao Akiya, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with original flair within a fresh, modern spirit. The piece is crafted from clay rich in iron—the same type used in forging swords—mixed with a trace amount of cobalt to achieve its black color. When a generous amount of hot "sesame" ash glaze lands on this black surface, it transforms into a vibrant cobalt blue. The bold, egg-shaped form is complemented by a striking, vivid blue finish.

View the blog post for this sake cup Signed box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipment)
Diameter 7.6cm x Diameter 7.5cm x Height 6.3cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. In 1998, he began an apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. After ten years of training, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008, holding his first kiln opening 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 numerous honors, including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Prize.