Hikidashi Kuro Sake Cup

This is a new *hikidashiguro* (drawn-out black) sake cup by Masao Akitaya, an artist who trained under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality within a modern spirit. This is the first new work from Akitaya-sensei in approximately two years since his last kiln opening. Utilizing the *hikidashiguro* technique, a hallmark of the Isezaki school, the piece captivates with its mystical appearance, capturing the essence of the super-high-temperature kiln environment that is otherwise inaccessible to humans. Because the piece is necessarily placed in front of the fire to achieve the *hikidashiguro* effect, the black slip applied to the surface is washed away by a massive amount of ash, and the subsequent rapid cooling results in a unique landscape where black, blue, and amber hues intermingle. Furthermore, the interior features the classic *hikidashiguro* appeal of abundant *goma* (ash glaze), which has solidified into a thick, flowing appearance reminiscent of obsidian. The surface, graduating from a translucent black to shades of blue and dark green, weaves an entire world through its nuances, much like a sumi-e ink wash painting. Signed wooden box (shihozan construction)
Diameter 7.5cm × Diameter 7.3cm × Height 6.1cm Masao Akitaya 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. His first kiln opening was held in 2009. He has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Forms of Tea" exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association’s Chugoku Branch exhibition, and has received the Prefectural Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Prize at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition.