Hikidashi Guinomi

This *Hikidashi-guro* (pulled-black) sake cup is the work of Masao Akitani, who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality amidst a new spirit. This piece was placed directly in front of the fire to achieve the *hikidashi* (pull-out) technique, resulting in a work that has received an intense flow of *goma* (ash glaze). Although almost the entire surface is covered in *goma*, the color varies significantly due to the *hikidashi* technique; the area from the back to the upper body displays an amber-like yellow hue, while the lower body is a mixture of black and bluish-gray. The unevenness of the surface, such as the *herame* (spatula marks) and wrinkles, creates interesting gradations in the natural glaze across the entire piece. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 7.8cm × Diameter 7.4cm × Height 6.9cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. After studying under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki from 1998 and completing ten years of training, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. He held his first kiln opening in 2009. He has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Prize.