Black cup

This brand-new black cup, fresh from the kiln, is the work of Masao Akitani, who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates original pieces infused with a fresh spirit. These are the first new works from Masao Akitani in approximately two years. True to his mentor Jun Isezaki’s philosophy of creating pieces that resonate with modern sensibilities, Akitani’s design is orthodox yet exquisitely refined. The versatility of this piece is a major appeal; it serves perfectly as a free cup for tea or shochu, or as a small bowl for food thanks to its wide mouth. The lively "goma" (sesame) ash glaze complements the black slip beautifully, making the piece suitable for any setting—whether Japanese or Western—thanks to the classic quality of Bizen ware and the chic black aesthetic. Paper box
Diameter 10.9cm x 10.8cm x Height 6.4cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. He began his apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki 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 opening in 2009. His work has been selected for exhibitions such as the Tanabe Museum of Art’s Tea Ceremony Modeling 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.