Black Hikidashi Katakuchi (spouted bowl)

This is a newly kiln-fired *Hikidashi-guro* (pulled black) *katakuchi* (spouted bowl) by Masao Akiya, a potter who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works overflowing with his own unique originality within a modern spirit. This is the first new work from Masao Akiya in approximately two years since his last kiln firing. Utilizing the *Hikidashi-guro* technique—a trademark of the Isezaki school—the piece possesses a mystical allure that captures the very essence of the extreme, inaccessible temperatures inside the kiln. The rapid cooling from the *hikidashi* process creates an exquisite transition between the black and the *goma* (ash glaze), resulting in a mysterious, captivating hue that shifts between gold and black. The black surface has a lustrous, translucent quality, and the refreshing scenery gives it the appearance of a mineral. The triangular pins used during firing to prevent tipping have become fused with intense *goma*, creating a highly unique, leg-like appearance. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter including spout 15.3cm × diameter 10.5cm × height 8.6cm Masao Akiya 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 Museum of Art’s "Chanoyu Molding Exhibition" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Award and the Encouragement Award.