Bizen plate

This Bizen plate was freshly fired in the kiln by Masao Akitani, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with his own unique originality within a new spirit. This is the first new collection from Masao Akitani in approximately two years since his last kiln firing. Much like his mentor Jun Isezaki, Akitani-sensei aims for craftsmanship that matches contemporary sensibilities, and this piece features an orthodox yet refined design that is truly superb. The piece was stacked in the kiln, after which black slip was applied only to the outer perimeter before firing; the black of the edges combined with the mist-like "goma" (ash glaze) that penetrated the gaps between the stacked plates creates an atmosphere reminiscent of maki-e lacquerware. Vibrant, bright red "hidasuki" (fire-cord) markings are vividly arranged on both the front and back, creating a dynamic "motion" like flashes of lightning that contrast with the "stillness" of the maki-e style black and goma. This eight-inch size is incredibly versatile and has a slight depth, making it very easy to handle; it is highly recommended as it is also affordably priced for an eight-inch piece. Paper box
Diameter 24.1cm x 23.8cm x Height 4.8cm 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. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition's Prefectural Exhibition Prize and Encouragement Prize.