Hikidashi-shuten

This is a Hikidashi-guro (drawn-out black) sake cup by Masao Akitani, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works full of unique originality infused with a fresh spirit. It was placed in front of the kiln fire to achieve the "hikidashi" (drawn-out) technique and bears the marks of an intense flow of natural ash glaze (goma). While the variations created by drawing out the goma make for a lively piece, the pool of goma at the lower front is particularly stunning, appearing as a transparent, light blue reminiscent of blue tourmaline. The goma that has accumulated in the interior has turned a deep, amber-like brownish-red, resulting in a richly colored piece that looks as if it is adorned with gemstones. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 7.5cm × Diameter 7.0cm × Height 7.0cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. In 1998, he began a ten-year apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki, subsequently building his own kiln in Bizen and becoming independent in 2008. He held his first kiln opening in 2009. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition" and the Japan Kōgei Association’s Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received the Prefectural Exhibition Award and Encouragement Award at the Okayama Prefecture Art Exhibition.