Bizen Black Tea Cup

This is a new Bizen black yunomi (tea cup) by Masao Akiya, a potter who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with a unique originality while embracing a fresh spirit. This piece is crafted from clay rich in iron—the same type used in forging swords—mixed with a tiny amount of cobalt to produce a black color. Generous splashes of yellow sesame glaze further enhance the black slip, bringing out a subtle cobalt blue hue. Designed primarily for everyday use, it is stylish yet orthodox and comfortable to hold. Its elegant design is sure to become a topic of conversation when hosting guests. (Please note that there is some blistering from the firing process.) Signed box (with two-way struts)
Diameter 8.2cm x Diameter 8.1cm x Height 8.6cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. He began studying under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki in 1998, and after a ten-year apprenticeship, he built his own kiln and became independent in Bizen in 2008. He held his first kiln opening in 2009. He has been selected for exhibitions such as the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Forms" exhibition and the Japan Kōgeikai Chugoku Branch exhibition, and has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Incentive Award.