Bizen beer mug

This Bizen beer mug is by Masao Akitani, an artist who trained under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality amidst a new spirit. This is the first new work from Masao Akitani in roughly two years since his last kiln opening. True to Mr. Akitani’s motto of combining sophisticated design with the usability of a functional vessel, this beer mug features sophisticated, object-like curves. The surface is meticulously finished with a spatula to smooth the clay, creating fine traces of moving stones that express the intriguing appeal of unglazed, wood-fired pottery. It was fired with a composition that allows the *goma* (ash glaze) to descend as if from directly above, and the rim is coated in smooth *goma* to improve ease of use. Paper box
Diameter 8.6cm × Diameter 8.5cm × Height 13.2cm 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 the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Shapes" 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.