Bizen ware sake cup

This Bizen sake cup is the work of Masao Akiya, a potter who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality within a fresh aesthetic. This is the first new piece from Masao Akiya in approximately two years since his last kiln opening. Intense hot air blasted within the kiln has formed black, bead-like drips reminiscent of Shigaraki "vidro" glaze. These drips are truly fascinating; rather than trimming them away to stabilize the piece, Akiya chose to embrace this "dancing sake cup" and highlight these rare black beads in this ambitious work. When placed on a flat surface, the bead acts as an additional foot, causing the cup to tilt playfully from side to side. It will not tip over or spill when filled to 70–80% capacity. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 6.5cm × Diameter 6.4cm × Height 5.6cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. He began studying under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki in 1998, and after a ten-year apprenticeship, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. He held his first kiln opening in 2009. His works have been selected for exhibitions such as the Tanabe Art Museum’s Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Prefectural Exhibition Award and the Encouragement Award at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition.