Bizen Black Guinomi (Sake Cup)

This is a black sake cup by Masao Akitani, who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality amidst a new spirit. Its distinct design, reminiscent of a bitter melon or a drawstring bag, is so curious that it seems as if it might inflate if air were blown into it. The generous application of sesame glaze fully draws out the charm of the black, featuring golden sesame, scorched sesame, and even cobalt blue kiln-transmutation effects. It is quite large and has a strong presence, making it very unique, almost like a small flower vase. Signed wooden box (double-slatted lid)
Diameter 7.3cm x Diameter 7.1cm x Height 6.7cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. He studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting in 1998, and after ten years of training, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. He held his first kiln firing in 2009. He has been selected for the Tanabe Art Museum’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.