Bizen black tea bowl

This black tea bowl is the work of Masao Akitani, who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with original character amidst a new spirit. This piece is crafted from clay rich in iron—the same type used in forging swords—mixed with a very small amount of cobalt to create a black color. The generously applied yellow sesame glaze further evolves the black slip, manifesting a pale cobalt blue. With a size positioned between a yunomi, a tea bowl, and a shochu cup, it is a versatile vessel that can be used for anything. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 10.3cm × Diameter 10.2cm × Height 7.3cm 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 and went independent in Bizen in 2008. He held his first kiln firing in 2009. His works have been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Form of Tea" exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch exhibition, and he has received the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Award and Encouragement Award.