Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is by Masao Akiya, who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works overflowing with unique originality within a modern spirit. The surface is thinly shaved with a spatula, creating three-dimensional ridges that produce horizontal stripes tailored to the form. To balance the strong horizontal impact of the design, a thin, dark vertical *hidasuki* (fire-cord) mark wraps around from the foot. The smooth texture of the well-melted yellow sesame glaze creates an interesting contrast with the dry texture of the white clay base. Signed wooden box (two-way frame)
Diameter 9.0cm x 8.8cm x Height 5.2cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. He studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting in 1998, and after a ten-year apprenticeship, 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 Forms" exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch exhibition, and has received awards including the Prefectural Exhibition Prize and Encouragement Prize at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition.