Bizen ware plate

This Bizen plate was freshly fired in the kiln by Masao Akitani, who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates work brimming with unique originality within a new spirit. This is the first new work from Masao Akitani in roughly two years since his last kiln firing. Much like his mentor Jun Isezaki, Mr. Akitani aims to create pieces that resonate with a modern sensibility, and this piece features an excellent design that is both orthodox and sophisticated. It was fired while stacked, with black clay applied only to the outer perimeter, and the combination of the black edge with the mist-like "goma" (ash glaze) that penetrated through the gaps between the stacked pieces creates an atmosphere reminiscent of makie lacquerware. A vivid, bright red "hidasuki" (fire-cord) pattern is featured on both the front and back, creating a dynamic "motion" like a bolt of lightning that contrasts with the "stillness" of the makie-style black and goma glaze. At eight sun (approx. 24 cm), this size is versatile and has a slight depth, making it very easy to use; it is highly recommended and priced affordably for an eight-sun piece. Paper box
Diameter 24.4cm x 24.3cm x Height 4.7cm Masao Akitani 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 and became independent in Bizen in 2008. He held his first kiln firing in 2009. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Art Museum’s "The Art of Tea Ceremony" exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Award.