Bizen ware plate

This Bizen plate was freshly fired in the kiln by Masao Akiya, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality while embracing a fresh spirit. These are the first new pieces from Masao Akiya in approximately two years since his last kiln firing. Much like his mentor Jun Isezaki, Mr. Akiya aims to create works that align with modern sensibilities, and this piece is exceptional for its orthodox yet refined design. After stacking the plates, he applied black slip only to the outer rim before firing; the combination of this black rim and the mist-like "goma" (ash glaze) that seeped into the gaps from the stacked firing creates an atmosphere reminiscent of makie lacquerware. Both sides are adorned with vivid, bright red "hidasuki" (fire-cord) patterns, creating a sense of "motion" like a lightning bolt in contrast to the "stillness" of the makie-style black and goma. At eight sun (approx. 24 cm), this versatile size has a slight depth that makes it very easy to handle, and I highly recommend it as it is affordably priced for its size. Paper box
Diameter 23.55cm x 23.3cm x Height 4.8cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. He began studying under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki in 1998, and after a 10-year apprenticeship, 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 "Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prefectural Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Award.