Bizen ware teacup

This is a brand new Bizen tea cup fresh from the kiln by Masao Akitani, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works full of unique originality while embracing a fresh spirit. This is the first new work from Masao Akitani in about two years since his last kiln firing. It is an incredibly elaborate tea cup that utilizes the *shinogi* (fluted) technique, which is a hallmark of the Isezaki school. During the firing, it was placed in an ideal spot where the *goma* (ash glaze) would settle firmly, and it has formed a dynamic landscape in response to the varying depths created by the *shinogi* technique. Because *shinogi* pieces are made by throwing a thick base and then carving it down, they tend to be relatively heavy, but this work is as lightweight and easy to use as one made entirely on the potter's wheel. Paper box
Diameter 8.2cm x Diameter 8.0cm x Height 9.0cm 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. He has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Prize.