Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Masao Akitani, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality within a fresh aesthetic. This is the first new work from Masao Akitani in approximately two years since his last kiln opening. The piece is hand-modeled, formed by using the palms and fingers to expand a slab of clay. This movement of pushing outward from within as the clay expands creates cracks along the outer edge, resulting in a landscape reminiscent of a desolate earth that can only be expressed through earthenware. Yellow sesame glaze falls upon it like a blessing of rain, adding a golden gradation to the scenery while smoothing the texture. Signed wooden box (double-slat) included
Diameter 8.2cm x Diameter 8.1cm x Height 6.2cm 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 opening in 2009. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art "The Forms of Tea" exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Prize.